Flexor Hallucis Brevis (FHB) is a muscle located within the foot that runs behind and along the inside of ankle boney bump and along its inner surface, aiding you in flexing big toe when standing on tip-toe and pushing off during gait cycles. This muscle helps flex big toe when standing on tip-toe or pushing off during gait cycles.
This muscle runs close to two small bones known as sesamoids that run under the first metatarsophalangeal joint and injuries sustained to these can significantly hinder its functionality.
Morton’s toe
Morton’s toe, in which the second toe is longer than the big toe, can lead to numerous foot and ankle injuries. In particular, it may result in a hammertoe, ingrown toenails, metatarsalgia (pain in the ball of foot) or plantar fasciitis; additionally it can increase risk for injury of sesamoids in second toe sesamoids.
The Flexor Hallucis Longus muscle links the big toe bone (proximal phalanx) with two small bones at its base (medial and lateral sesamoids). This muscle helps bend down the big toe and point the foot and ankle toward the ground.
Morton’s toe can affect people of all ages and is caused by either an inherited difference in big toe length or wearing shoes that squeeze the toes together. Treatment typically entails physical therapy and wearing shoes with wide toe boxes; if symptoms persist further evaluation with a podiatrist may be required.
Rough terrain
Rough terrain such as dirt, sand, and gravel can place undue strain on foot and ankle muscles such as the flexor hallucis brevis muscle that helps with plantar flexion of the big toe and arch stabilization. When this muscle becomes irritated it may lead to discomfort when walking or running – this could be caused by injury, wearing shoes that are too small, or running or walking on uneven surfaces.
Dysfunction of this muscle often manifests itself through pain in the ball of the foot when extending the big toe, difficulty and pain during gait, and toe deformities. Furthermore, walking on uneven or rough surfaces, and wearing high heeled shoes can exacerbate symptoms further.
Stretching exercises such as the “vacuum cleaner cord” manoeuvre are an excellent way to increase flexibility of this muscle, while biomechanical correction such as custom foot orthotics may strengthen it further and alleviate pain while walking or running on uneven terrain.
Injuries
Damage to the flexor hallucis brevis muscle can result in pain in the big toe and ball of foot when performing activities requiring forceful contraction of their big toe (e.g. walking, standing up from sitting, running, jumping and hopping) such as walking, standing, running, jumping or hopping. Furthermore, chronic Tenosynovitis of FHL tendon causing inflammation at medial heel leading to Morton’s Toe may occur.
This condition can be treated through rest, ice and physical therapy exercises. Sit cross-legged on the floor and position your foot so that its greater toe bends away from the floor – repeat this several times each day until muscle stiffness and soreness subsides. Massage balls may help isolate specific muscle areas to decrease stiffness and soreness while using massage balls can isolate specific muscles for increased relaxation and reduced soreness. It is important to remember that the flexor hallucis brevis plays an integral part in maintaining balance; injuries to this muscle could result in weakness of foot weakness as well as an increased tendency towards falling on its side compared with its counterpart.
Trigger points
Trigger points are tight bands of muscle that cause pain and limit movement. Trigger points may develop due to injuries, poor body mechanics or structural imbalances; overuse or repetitive activity; or injuries themselves. They can irritate nerves in their vicinity leading to referred pain – where discomfort occurs somewhere other than its original site.
Symptoms of Flexor Hallucis brevis trigger point pain can include tight feet or an ache when weight bearing, sharp pain that worsens at certain times of day or exacerbated by walking or running on rough terrain that overworks and stresses out muscles. These symptoms can also be made worse when walking on uneven ground causing them to work excessively and overstrain themselves further.
Self-release exercises can help alleviate flexor hallucis brevis pain by placing your ball of your foot against a surface to apply pressure, then release it. You can perform these exercises both sitting or standing; plus they strengthen muscles as well as provide pain relief.
