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Physio Energy

Muscles

Abductor hallucis

Abducts and flexes the big toe; supports the medial arch.

Referred pain map

Abductor hallucis
Abductor hallucis — trigger points in the medial plantar foot with referred pain along the medial arch and heel.
Abductor hallucis
Adjacent intrinsic hallux muscles (adductor hallucis and flexor hallucis brevis) — trigger points in the forefoot referring to the ball of the foot and big toe; useful reference when differentiating forefoot pain.

Overview

Abducts and flexes the big toe; supports the medial arch. Trigger points here are common in everyday and athletic populations and frequently contribute to the referred pain patterns described below.

Trigger point locations

Medial plantar foot.

Referred pain pattern

Heel and medial arch — common contributor to plantar fasciitis-like pain.

Palpation & testing

Palpate the muscle belly along its accessible course. Reproduction of the patient's familiar pain on palpation supports involvement.

Common causes

Overpronation, weak intrinsics, tight shoes.

Self-care & clinical treatment

Foot intrinsic work, short-foot drill. Clinically: needling.

Symptoms commonly linked

References

  • • Travell & Simons — Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction
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