Abductor digiti minimi pedis

Abductor digiti minimi pedis

The abductor digiti minimi pedis is a muscle located in the foot. It is responsible for the abduction of the little toe, which means it moves the little toe away from the other toes. In this article, we will discuss the anatomy, function, and clinical significance of the abductor digiti minimi pedis.

Anatomy

The abductor digiti minimi pedis muscle is situated on the lateral side of the foot. It originates from the lateral process of the calcaneal tuberosity, which is a bony prominence on the heel bone called the calcaneus. From there, it extends along the lateral side of the foot and inserts into the base of the proximal phalanx of the little toe.

Function

The main function of the abductor digiti minimi pedis is to abduct the little toe. This means that it moves the little toe away from the other toes, spreading them apart. It also assists in maintaining the arch of the foot and stabilizing the foot during walking and running.

Clinical Significance

Injuries or conditions affecting the abductor digiti minimi pedis can lead to various symptoms and functional impairments. Some common clinical issues related to this muscle include:

- Abductor digiti minimi pedis strain: This refers to the overstretching or tearing of the muscle fibers, usually due to excessive or repetitive stress. Symptoms may include pain, swelling, and difficulty in moving the little toe. - Abductor digiti minimi pedis weakness: Weakness in this muscle can result from nerve damage or muscle atrophy. It can lead to difficulties in maintaining balance and stability while walking or running. - Abductor digiti minimi pedis spasm: Muscle spasms or cramps in the abductor digiti minimi pedis can cause sudden, involuntary contractions. This can be painful and may temporarily limit the movement of the little toe.

See Also

• Foot anatomy
• Muscles of the foot