Flexor Digiti Minimi Brevis (foot)

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.