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Strained Abductor Digiti Minimi Muscle of the Foot

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What is Abductor Digiti Minimi of the Foot and What is its Function?

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The Abductor Digiti Minimi Muscle of the Foot stems from the calcaneal tuberosity and is connected to the lateral plantar nerves and vessels. The muscle begins at back portion of the heel bone which is also called as the calcaneal tuberosity and the plantar aponeurosis which is a thick connective tissue that traverses along the sole of the foot. Thus muscle then enters on the fibular side at the base of the first phalanx or bone of the little toe. The Abductor Digiti Minimi foot muscle is the first layer of a number of muscles that form the plantar muscles. The function of this muscle is to control movement of the metatarsophalangeal joint and thus allowing the little toe to move. The Abductor Digiti Minimi Foot Muscle is always prone to getting strained or injured because of its exposed location when a person is involved in some physical activity in which he or she is standing upright.

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Strained Abductor Digiti Minimi Muscle of the Foot
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Signs and Symptoms of Sprained Abductor Digiti Minimi of the Foot

As stated, the location of the Abductor Digiti Minimi muscle of the foot is such that it is predisposed to strains and injuries with any kind of physical activity, especially when the activity is done standing straight. Some of the symptoms which may point towards a Strained Abductor Digiti Minimi of the Foot are:

  • Experience of pain on the outer part of the heel
  • Pain in the outer ankle which often at times is like the pain that is experienced with a sprained ankle
  • This pain is experienced both at rest and with activity or movement.

What can Cause Strained Abductor Digiti Minimi of the Foot?

As stated, Strained Abductor Digiti Minimi of the Foot can be caused when an individual is standing or moving upright. Below mentioned are some of the activities that can result in Abductor Digiti Minimi of the Foot Strain:

  • If you walk or run on uneven surfaces then it may result in a Strained Abductor Digiti Minimi of the Foot.
  • People who wear high heels most of the time predispose their Abductor Digiti Minimi Foot Muscle to strains and injuries.
  • People who wear shoes that do not fit properly and are too small also can strain their Abductor Digiti Minimi Foot Muscle.
  • People with congenitally weak ankles also are prone to strains and injuries to Abductor Digiti Minimi Foot Muscle.

Risk Factors of Strained Abductor Digiti Minimi of the Foot

There are also certain medical conditions which can cause injury or strain to the Abductor Digiti Minimi muscle. These conditions are:

What is the Treatment for Strained Abductor Digiti Minimi of the Foot?

Below mentioned are some of the treatments that can be beneficial for strained Abductor Digiti Minimi of the Foot Muscle:

Rest is the most important part of treatment for strained Abductor Digiti Minimi of the Foot Muscle. There should be no stretching activities performed initially for few days.

Cold Therapy for Strained Abductor Digiti Minimi of the Foot Muscle: There are many forms of gels and cold packs available in the market and over the counter which can go a long way in helping with treatment of a Strained Abductor Digiti Minimi of the Foot Muscle. The gels that are available are normally used immediately after an injury or strain as it immediately cools the area and prevents swelling from developing in the area. The cold therapy gel should be applied to the soles of the feet especially around the heels, arch and on the outside of the foot around the ankle region up to the little toe. One can also apply ice pack to the affected region or use gel pack that can be kept in the freezer for 30 minutes and then applied to the affected region.

Warm Therapy for Strained Abductor Digiti Minimi of the Foot Muscle: This type of therapy can also be used for treating a Strained Abductor Digiti Minimi of the Foot Muscle. This gel provides adequate warmth to the injured area without actually burning the area. It works fantastically well in relieving pain and stiffness post an injury or strain to the Abductor Digiti Minimi of the Foot Muscle. This gel needs to be put at the bottom of the foot and rubbed through to the ankles, arches and up to the little toe for best results. It should be noted here that warm therapy should never be used when using ice packs or heat packs as this may result in blistering of the skin. One can also use gel pack that can be heated in the microwave for a couple of seconds to a minute and then applied to the affected region. The time on microwave depends on the initial temperature of the pack. In winters, gel pack may take more time to get heated.

Foot Supports or Wraps: These supports or Wraps are designed in such a way that they help in relaxing the Strained Abductor Digiti Minimi of the Foot Muscle. It completely covers the foot and ankle areas. These supports or wraps are made of neoprene which provides warmth and is quite comfortable when worn. These wraps or supports are highly recommended by sports medicine doctors for athletes who are prone to injuring or straining the Abductor Digiti Minimi Muscle or other muscles of the foot.

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Team PainAssist
Team PainAssist
Written, Edited or Reviewed By: Team PainAssist, Pain Assist Inc. This article does not provide medical advice. See disclaimer
Last Modified On:January 28, 2019

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