Adductor Hallucis

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The Adductor Hallucis is a deep intrinsic muscle of the foot.

Anatomical Attachments:

• Origin: This muscle has two heads: the oblique head attaches from the base of the 2nd, 3rd and 4th metatarsal bones, and the transverse head from the metatarsophalangeal ligaments of the 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th toes.
• Insertion: Attaches to the lateral side of the base of the proximal phalanx of the great toe.

Action: Adducts and flexes the great toe.

Synergist: Flexor hallucis brevis.

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

Vascular supply: 1st plantar metatarsal artery.

• Primary: The pain is felt in the distal portion of the sole of the foot, in the region of the first through the fourth metatarsal heads.
• Satellite or associated triggers: Deep Intrinsic muscles of the foot.

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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, articular dysfunction, injured sesamoid bone, Diabetic neuropathy, Polyneuropathy, Foot trauma or Sprain/Strain injury, Bone spurs, If bilateral swelling consider Congestive heart disease (edema), (Segmental, Subluxation, Somatic dysfunction) L5 or S2 radiculopathy, Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Gout, Osteoporosis, 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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