Abductor digiti minimi | Sports massage for foot pain, part 3

In the third video in our series on sports massage to the foot we take a look at one of the lateral plantar muscles of the foot, the abductor digiti minimi.

The abductor digiti minimi is subcutaneous
along the length of the lateral border
of the foot. It anchors
proximally to the tuberosity
of the calcaneus, between the medial and
lateral processes, to the
deep surface of the lateral plantar fascia
and to the fibrous band that extends from
the calcaneus to the lateral side of the
base of the fifth metatarsal. Distally, it
joins the flexor digiti minimi brevis to attach
to the lateral aspect of the base of the
proximal phalanx of the fifth toe. Sometimes
fibres of this abductor muscle attach
to the base of the fifth metatarsal.

The abductor digiti
minimi abducts and assists flexion of the
proximal phalanx of the fifth toe. Its function is actually similar to that of the abductor hallucis, which is an abductor and flexor of the great toe.

This tissue has a pair of trigger points which often refer along the plantar aspect of the fifth metatarsal head. They can also spill over into the adjacent sole, including some of the distal aspect of the lateral forefoot.

Clients with trigger point activity in any of these small abductors usually have sore feet on the plantar surface. They sometimes use all sorts of shoes to relieve the pain. If clients wear tight shoes the forefoot can predispose to trigger points in these muscles and in some cases can cause a limp. Orthodics rarely help and are often uncomfortable.

Pain resulting from abductor digiti minimi can especially affect runners in the mid stance and toe of phase.

Part 1:    • Extensor digitorum brevis and extenso...  
Part 2:    • Abductor hallucis | Sports massage fo...  
Part 3:    • Abductor digiti minimi | Sports massa...  
Part 4:    • Flexor digitorum brevis | Sports mass...  
Part 5:    • Adductor hallucis | Sports massage fo...  
Part 6:    • Quadratus plantae | Sports massage fo...  

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These videos are intended to be used for information purposes only and are not intended to be used for medical diagnosis or treatment or to substitute for medical diagnosis and/or treatment rendered or prescribed by a physician or trained healthcare professional. This information is designed as educational material and should not be taken as a recommendation for the treatment of any particular person or patient. Always consult your physician if you think you need treatment or if you feel unwell.