Flexor Digiti Minimi Brevis Foot Pain

The flexor digiti minimi brevis foot muscle is located at the outermost edge of the bones of the feet. This muscle stems from the fifth metatarsal and peroneus longus muscle sheath which is situated at the sole of the foot. The flexor digiti minimi brevis foot muscle traverses through about 75% of the length of the foot and inserts into the small toe. The Flexor Digiti Minimi Brevis of the Foot forms a third layer of the foot and is quite deep within the foot. This muscle is innervated by the superior branch of the lateral plantar nerve. The function of the flexor digiti minimi brevis foot muscle is to flex the MTP joints of the small toe meaning that it facilitates ambulation and maintains balance of a person. Due to the vulnerable location of this muscle being in the foot, which is widely used throughout the day by people especially sportsmen and athletes who run around on uneven surfaces, this muscle is prone to frequent strains and inflammation causing flexor digiti minimi brevis foot pain. People who play hard court tennis also put a lot of pressure on flexor digiti minimi brevis and make it prone to pain or strains. Treatment for the flexor digiti minimi brevis foot pain usually is conservative with the use of gels, coolants and wraps.

The main symptoms indicating flexor digiti minimi brevis foot pain is the pain along the MTP joint of the small toe. The patient will also have difficulty with ambulation, running, and negotiating stairs. There will be severe pain at the bottom of the foot just above the base of the small toe.

The root cause of flexor digiti minimi brevis foot pain is strain or injury caused due to overuse and overexertion of the foot such as when running or playing games like tennis, especially on hard courts. People who have a job where they have to stand and walk for long periods of time are also prone to flexor digiti minimi brevis foot pain. Wearing inadequate footwear or a footwear that is too narrow and tight may also cause a strain or injury to the Flexor Digiti Minimi Brevis of the Foot muscle.

Below mentioned are some of the methods for treating flexor digiti minimi brevis foot pain.

Cold Therapy: There are many forms of gels and cold packs that can be effective in treating flexor digiti minimi brevis foot pain. The gels that are available are normally used immediately after an injury or strain to the flexor digiti minimi brevis foot muscle as it immediately cools the area and prevents swelling from developing in the area. The gel is used by rubbing it at the injured site and the surrounding areas.

Appropriate Footwear: Also wearing proper footwear which provides enough space for the small toe to fit in along with supports for the toe is also an important tool for treating flexor digiti minimi brevis foot pain. Opting for a lighter footwear with less cushion can help in treating the flexor digiti minimi brevis foot pain.

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Also Read:

• Flexor Digiti Minimi Brevis Hand Muscle Strain: Causes, Treatment, Signs, Symptoms, Risk Factors
• Flexor Hallucis Brevis Pain
• Strained Flexor Retinaculum of the Foot