Flexor Digiti Minimi Brevis

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The Flexor Digiti Minimi Brevis is a deep intrinsic muscle of the foot.

Anatomical Attachments:

• Origin: Attaches from the base of the 5th metatarsal bone at the sheath of the Peroneus longus.
• Insertion: Attaches to the lateral side of the base of the proximal phalanx of the 5th toe.

Action: Flexes the proximal phalanx of the little toe.

Synergist: Fourth Lumbrical, 3rd plantar Interosseus, and abductor digiti minimi.

Antagonist: Extensor Digitorum longus and brevis.

Nerve Supply: Lateral plantar nerve (S1, S2).

Vascular supply: Lateral plantar artery.

• Primary: The pain referral is not identified, but it is similar to the Abductor digiti minimi, which is identified to be along the plantar aspect of the fifth metatarsal head.
• Satellite or associated triggers: Deep Intrinsic muscle of the foot.

Trigger Point Signs and Symptoms: There is difficulty in walking, paresthesia or edema of the foot, and deformity of the toes.

Trigger Point Activating and Perpetuating Factors: Wearing shoes that are too small, wearing a cast shoe for a long period of time, and injury to the foot or toes.

Differential Diagnosis: Plantar fasciitis, Plantar warts, Hallux valgus, Stress fractures, Nerve entrapment, (Segmental, Subluxation, Somatic dysfunction) S1 radiculopathy, articular dysfunction, injured sesamoid bone, Bunion/corns, Paronychia (ingrown toenail), Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Gout, Foot trauma or Sprain/Strain injury, Hip or knee discomfort secondary to antalgic gait, Complex regional pain syndrome (Reflex sympathetic dystrophy), Systemic infections or inflammation, Nutritional inadequacy, Metabolic imbalance, Toxicity, Side effects of medication.

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