Flexor Digiti Minimi Brevis (foot)
Posted on 23rd Jul 2020 / Published in: Toe
General information
Flexor digiti minimi brevis is a small muscle located in the sole of the foot.
Literal meaning
The short muscle that bends the little toe.
Interesting information
Flexor digiti mini brevis, along with the flexor digitorum longus, flexor accessorius (quadratus plantae), flexor digitorum brevis, flexor hallucis brevis, dorsal and plantar interossei and lumbricals, are the toe flexors.
Origin
Base of 5th metatarsal bone, long plantar ligament.
Insertion
Base of proximal phalanx of 5th digit.
Function
5th metatarsophalangeal joint: toe flexion.
Nerve supply
Lateral plantar nerve (S2 – S3).
Blood supply
Arcuate, lateral tarsal and lateral plantar arteries.
Relevant research
A study found that the intrinsic plantar foot muscles, which includes the Flexor Digiti Minimi Brevis, are all activated using the toes-spread out exercise and therefore this exercise may be of use when looking to address intrinsic foot muscle dysfunction in foot and lower extremity conditions. The exercise may also be used to assist in preventing lower extremity injuries.
Gooding, T. M., Feger, M. A., Hart, J. M., & Hertel, J. (2016). Intrinsic Foot Muscle Activation During Specific Exercises: A T2 Time Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study. Journal of athletic training, 51(8), 644–650.
Flexor digiti minimi brevis (foot) exercises
The highest percentage activation in the abductor digiti minimi, adductor hallucis oblique, and flexor digiti minimi was seen in the toes-spread-out exercise.
Gooding, T. M., Feger, M. A., Hart, J. M., & Hertel, J. (2016). Intrinsic Foot Muscle Activation During Specific Exercises: A T2 Time Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study. Journal of athletic training, 51(8), 644–650.
Strengthening:
Toe abduction band
Place a band around the toes, and spread them outwards as much as possible.
Stretching:
Toe flexion passive
Sitting with one leg over the other, using your hand, bend your toes downwards and towards you.
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