Muscles
Flexor digitorum brevis
Flexes the proximal IP joints of toes 2–5.
Overview
Flexes the proximal IP joints of toes 2–5. Trigger points here are common in everyday and athletic populations and frequently contribute to the referred pain patterns described below.
Trigger point locations
Central plantar foot.
Referred pain pattern
Ball of the foot and central plantar arch.
Palpation & testing
Palpate the muscle belly along its accessible course. Reproduction of the patient's familiar pain on palpation supports involvement.
Common causes
Long-distance walking, overpronation, weak intrinsics.
Self-care & clinical treatment
Intrinsic strengthening, gait retraining. Clinically: needling.
Symptoms commonly linked
References
- • Travell & Simons — Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction