07/01/2023
Muscle of the Month: Extensor Digitorum Brevis
Extensor digitorum brevis is a thin muscle found on the dorsum of the foot. This region contains the dorsal compartment of the foot, which houses extensor digitorum brevis and extensor hallucis brevis. These muscles are covered by the deep dorsal fascia of foot.
Extensor digitorum brevis projects anteriorly to the lateral malleolus and passes over the lateral aspect of the calcaneocuboid joint. It continues anteriorly and inserts on the tendons of extensor digitorum longus of the second, third and fourth toes. As a result, these muscles work in unison to extend the corresponding digits of the foot.
The lack of direct bony attachments confines extensor digitorum brevis to help other muscles perform their actions. Most importantly, it assists extensor digitorum longus to extend the second, third and fourth toes at the corresponding distal interphalangeal joints. Additionally, these two muscles cooperate to aid the lumbrical muscles of the foot to extend the same interphalangeal joints.
The most medial tendon of extensor digitorum brevis (extensor hallucis brevis) extends the great toe at the metatarsophalangeal joint. In conclusion, extensor digitorum brevis works in unison with other muscles to raise the toes off the ground when walking or running.
Pain in the extensor digitorum brevis is often linked to poor footwear choices or frequent walking and running on uneven surfaces that place a disproportionate workload on the muscles of the foot.
Another particularly common culprit of foot pain is the infamous high-heeled shoe, with extra strain being placed on the dorsal muscles as the foot slides into the shoe.
Below is a great stretch for this muscle:
https://youtube.com/shorts/_rWIeSYU4Nk?feature=share
