All muscles of the foot. Anatomy of the human lower limbs: structural features and functions


The foot, like the hand, in addition to the tendons belonging to the long muscles descending onto it from the lower leg, has its own short muscles; These muscles are divided into dorsal (dorsal) and plantar.

Dorsal muscles of the foot. M. extensor digitorum brevis, short extensor of the fingers, located on the back of the foot under the tendons of the long extensor and originates on the calcaneus before entering the sinus tarsi.

Heading forward, it is divided into four thin tendons to the I-IV fingers, which join the lateral edge of the tendons m. extensor digitorum longus and m. extensor hallucis longus and together with them form the dorsal tendon sprain of the fingers. The medial abdomen, which goes obliquely along with its tendon to the thumb, also has a separate name m. extensor hallucis brevis.

Function. Makes the extension of the I-IV fingers along with their easy abduction to the lateral side. (Inn. L4-S1, N. peroneus profundus.)


Plantar muscles of the foot. They form three groups: medial (muscles of the thumb), lateral (muscles of the little finger) and middle, lying in the middle of the sole.

a) Muscles of the medial group three:

1. M. abductor hallucis, a muscle that abducts the big toe, is located most superficially on the medial edge of the sole; originates from the processus medialis of the calcaneal tubercle, retinaculum mm. flexdrum and tiberositas ossis navicularis; attaches to the medial sesamoid bone and the base of the proximal phalanx. (Inn. L5-S2 N. plantaris med.).

2. M. flexor hallucis brevis, short flexor of the big toe, adjacent to the lateral edge of the previous muscle, begins on the medial sphenoid bone and on the lig. calcaneocuboideum plantare. Going straight ahead, the muscle is divided into two heads, between which the tendon m passes. flexor hallucis longus.

Both heads are attached to the sesamoid bones in the region of the first metatarsophalangeal articulation and to the base of the proximal phalanx of the thumb. (Inn. 5i_n. Nn. plantares medialis et lateralis.)

3. M. adductor hallucis, the muscle that leads the big toe, lies deep and consists of two heads. One of them (oblique head, caput obliquum) originates from the cuboid bone and lig. plantare longum, as well as from the lateral sphenoid and from the bases of the II-IV metatarsal bones, then goes obliquely forward and somewhat medially.

The other head (transverse, caput transversum) originates from the articular bags of the II-V metatarsophalangeal joints and plantar ligaments; it runs transversely to the length of the foot and, together with the oblique head, is attached to the lateral sesamoid bone of the thumb. (Inn. S1-2. N. plantaris lateralis.)

Function. The muscles of the medial group of the sole, in addition to the actions indicated in the names, are involved in strengthening the arch of the foot on its medial side.



b) The muscles of the lateral group are among the two:

1. M. abductor digiti minimi, muscle that abducts the little toe of the foot, lies along the lateral edge of the sole, more superficial than other muscles. It originates from the calcaneus and inserts at the base of the proximal phalanx of the little finger.

2. M. flexor digiti minimi brevis, short flexor of the little toe of the foot, starts from the base of the fifth metatarsal bone and is attached to the base of the proximal phalanx of the little finger.

Function muscles of the lateral group of the sole in the sense of the impact of each of them on the little finger is insignificant. Their main role is to strengthen the lateral edge of the arch of the foot. (Inn. of all three muscles 5i_n. N. plantaris lateralis.)


in) Muscles of the middle group:

1. M. flexor digitorum brevis, short finger flexor, lies superficially under the plantar aponeurosis. It starts from the calcaneal tuber and is divided into four flat tendons, attached to the middle phalanges of the II-V fingers.

Before their attachment, the tendons are each split into two legs, between which the tendons m pass. flexor digitorum longus. The muscle fastens the arch of the foot in the longitudinal direction and flexes the toes (II-V). (Inn. L5-S2. N. plantaris medialis.)


2. M. quadrdtus plantae (m. flexor accessorius), square muscle of the sole, lies under the previous muscle, starts from the calcaneus and then joins the lateral edge of the tendon m. flexor digitorum longus. This bundle regulates the action of the long flexor of the fingers, giving its thrust a direct direction in relation to the fingers. (Inn. 51-2, N. plantaris lateralis.)


3. mm. lumbricales, worm-like muscles, number four. As on the hand, they depart from the four tendons of the long flexor of the fingers and are attached to the medial edge of the proximal phalanx of the II-V fingers. They can flex the proximal phalanges; their extensor action on other phalanges is very weak or completely absent.

They can still pull four other fingers towards the thumb. (Inn. L5-S2. Nn. plantares lateralis et medialis.)

4. mm. interossei, interosseous muscles, lie most deeply on the side of the sole, corresponding to the spaces between the metatarsal bones. Dividing, like the similar muscles of the hand, into two groups - three plantar, mm. interossei plantares, and four rear ones, mm. interossei dorsdles, at the same time they differ in their location.

In the hand, in connection with its grasping function, they are grouped around the third finger; in the foot, in connection with its supporting role, they are grouped around the second finger, i.e., in relation to the second metatarsal bone. Functions: adduct and spread fingers, but in a very limited size. (Inn. 5i_n. N. plantaris lateralis.)




The muscles of the foot, mm.pedis, are divided into the muscles of the dorsum of the foot and the muscles of the plantar surface. The muscles of the rear of the foot are mainly extensors, the muscles of the sole are mainly flexors.

Dorsal muscles

  1. The short extensor of the toes, m.extensor digitorum brevis, is a flat muscle that lies directly on the dorsum of the foot. It originates from the upper and lateral surfaces of the anterior part of the calcaneus and, heading anteriorly, passes into four narrow tendons. They fuse in their distal section with the tendons of the long extensor of the fingers and are attached to the base of the proximal phalanges of the II-V fingers, weaving into the dorsal aponeurosis. Sometimes the tendon to the little finger is missing. Action: unbends II-IV toes, pulls them to the lateral side. Innervation: n. peroneus profundus (L4-L5; S1). Blood supply: a. tarsea lateralis, r. perforans a. peroneae.
  2. Short extensor of the big toe, m. extensor hallicis brevis, lies inside from the previous one. The muscle originates from the upper surface of the anterior part of the calcaneus and, heading forward and medially, passes into the tendon attached to the base of the proximal phalanx of the thumb. In the distal section, the tendon fuses with the tendon m. extensor hallucis longus, taking part in the formation of the dorsal aponeurosis. Action: extends the big toe. Innervation: n. Peroneus profundus (L4-L5; S1). Blood supply: a. tarsea lateralis, r. perforans a. peroneae.

Muscles of the ball of the foot

  1. The muscle that removes the big toe, m. abductor hallucis, located superficially, occupies the most medial position of the muscles of this group. Originates from retinaculum mm. flexorum, processus medialis tuberis calcanei and the plantar surface of the scaphoid. Heading forward, the muscle passes into the tendon, which fuses with the tendon m. flax hallucis brevis and attaches to the medial sesamoid bone of the thumb and the base of its proximal phalanx. Action: flexes and abducts the big toe, strengthens the medial part of the arch of the foot. Innervation: n. plantaris medialis (L5; S1). Blood supply: a. plantaris medialis.
  2. The short flexor of the big toe, m.flexor hallucis brevis, is somewhat shorter than the previous muscle, partially covered by it and is located directly on os metatarsale I. The muscle originates from os cuneiforme mediale, the plantar surface of the navicular bone, tendon m. tibialis posterior, lig. plantare longum. The tendon of the muscle along with the tendon m. adductor hallucis attaches to the lateral and medial sesamoid bones and to the base of the proximal phalanx of the big toe, thus dividing into two distal tendons, each of which belongs to the lateral and medial heads, respectively. Action: flexes the big toe. Innervation: lateral head - n. plantaris lateralis (S1-S2), medial head - n. plantaris medialis (L5-S2). Blood supply: a. plantaris medialis, arcus plantaris.
  3. The muscle that leads the big toe, m.adductor hallucis, is located deep, directly on the metatarsal bones, and is covered with long and short flexors of the fingers. The muscle begins with two heads - transverse and oblique. The transverse head, caput transversum, originates on the plantar surface of the articular capsules of the III-V metatarsophalangeal joints, from the distal ends of the II-V metatarsal bones, from aponeurosis plantaris (septum laterale), from the transverse ligaments of the heads of the metatarsal bones. The oblique head, caput obliquum, is more powerful, starts from the plantar surface of the os cuboideum, os cuneiforme laterale, the base of the II-IV metatarsal bones, lig. plantare longum and plantar vagina m. peroneus longus. Both heads pass into a common tendon attached to the lateral sesamoid bone and the base of the proximal phalanx of the big toe. Action: adducts the big toe and flexes it. Innervation: n. plantaris lateralis (S1-S2). Blood supply: a. metatarseae plantares et dorsales; rr. perforantes a. arcuatae.

Muscles of the little finger elevation

  1. The muscle that removes the little finger, m. abductor digiti minimi, lies the most lateral of this entire muscle group, located directly under the plantar aponeurosis. The muscle originates from processus lateralis et medialis tuberis calcanei and from aponeurosis plantaris. Heading forward, it passes into a short tendon attached to the lateral side of the base of the proximal phalanx of the little finger. Action: abducts and flexes the proximal phalanx of the little toe. Innervation: n. plantaris lateralis (S1-S2). Blood supply: a. plantaris lateralis.
  2. Short flexor of the little toe of the foot, m. flexor digiti minimi brevis, lies medial to the previous muscle and is partially covered by it. The muscle originates from os metatarsale V, lig. plantare longum and plantar vagina m. peroneus longus and, heading forward, passes into the tendon, which, fusing with the tendon m. abductor digiti minimi, is attached to the base of the proximal phalanx of the little toe of the foot. Action: flexes the proximal phalanx of the little toe. Innervation: n. plantaris lateralis (S1-S2). Blood supply: a. plantaris lateralis.
  3. The muscle that opposes the little finger, m. opponens digiti minimi, very unstable, begins together with the previous muscle from lig. plantare longum and tendon sheath m. peroneus longus and is attached to the lateral edge of the fifth metatarsal bone. Action: leads and opposes the fifth metatarsal bone; together with the previous muscle, it is involved in strengthening the lateral portion of the arch of the foot. Innervation: n. plantaris lateralis (S1-S2). Blood supply: a. plantaris lateralis.

Muscles of the median eminence

  1. Short finger flexor, m. flexor digitorum brevis, occupies a median position on the foot, located under the plantar aponeurosis. The muscle originates as a short, powerful tendon from the processus medialis of the calcaneal tuberosity and the aponeurosis plantaris. Heading forward, the muscle belly passes into four tendons that lie in the synovial canals along with the tendons m. flexor digitorum longus. In the region of the proximal phalanges of the II-V toes, the tendon of the short flexor is divided into two legs, attaching to the base of the middle phalanges of these fingers. Between the legs are the tendons of the long flexor of the fingers. Action: flexes the middle phalanges of the II-V toes. Innervation: n. plantaris medialis (L5; S1). Blood supply: a. tibialis posterior, plantares lateralis et medialis.
  2. Square muscle of the sole, m. quadratus plantae, or additional flexor, m. flexor accessorius, approaches the quadrangle in shape and lies under the previous muscle. The muscle originates from the lower and medial surfaces of the posterior part of the calcaneus with two separate heads that join into a common abdomen. Heading forward, the muscle narrows slightly and attaches to the outer edge of the tendon m. flexor digitorum longus at the place of its division into separate tendons. Action: participates with m. flexor digitorum longus in flexion of the distal phalanges, giving its thrust a straight direction. Innervation: n. plantaris lateralis (S1-S2). Blood supply: a. plantaris lateralis.
  3. Vermiform muscles, mm. lumbricales, thin, short muscles, four in number, are located between the tendons m. flexor digitorum longus and are covered by a short flexor of the fingers, and in depth they are in contact with mm. interossei. Each worm-like muscle originates from the corresponding tendon of the long flexor of the fingers, with three lateral ones having two heads, and the first one having one head. Moving forward, the muscles in the area of ​​the metatarsophalangeal joints go around the toes from the side of the medial surface of the II-V toes and, passing to the back surface of these fingers, are woven into their dorsal aponeurosis. Sometimes the worm-like muscles attach to the articular capsules and even reach the proximal phalanges. Between mm. lumbricales and lig. metatarseum transversum profundum lie the mucous bags of the worm-like muscles of the foot. Action: bend the proximal phalanges of the II-V toes, simultaneously unbending the middle and distal phalanges of the same fingers. Innervation: n.plantaris medialis and n.plantaris lateralis (L5; S1-S2). Blood supply: a. plantares, lateralis et medialis.
  4. Plantar interosseous muscles, mm. interossei plantares, narrow, short muscles of three, lie in the interosseous spaces between ossa metatarsalia II-III, III-IV and IV-V. Each of these muscles originates from the medial sides of the III, IV and V metatarsal bones and is attached to the base of the proximal phalanges, partially passing into the dorsal aponeurosis. Action: bend the proximal phalanges and unbend the middle and distal phalanges of the III-V toes, and also bring these fingers to the II finger. Innervation: n. plantaris lateralis (S1-S2). Blood supply: arcus plantaris, aa. metatarsea plantares.
  5. Dorsal interosseous muscles, mm. interossei dorsales, resemble plantar ones in shape. Muscles number four fill all the interosseous spaces from the back. Each muscle originates from the sides of two adjacent metatarsal bones facing one another and, heading forward, is attached to the base of the proximal phalanx of the II-IV fingers and is woven into the dorsal aponeurosis. Action: the first interosseous muscle pulls the second toe in the medial direction, the second, third and fourth - shift the II-IV fingers in the lateral direction, and all four muscles flex the proximal phalanges and unbend the middle and distal phalanges of these fingers. Innervation: n. plantaris lateralis (S1-S2). Blood supply: arcus plantaris, aa. metatarsea plantares.

The structure of the feet is quite complex, because they perform very important functions in the body and are subjected to heavy loads. The muscles of the foot are responsible for maintaining balance and shock absorption during movement. The main load is taken by large muscles, which are connected to the tendons of the lower leg and are responsible for all movements of the foot. They are more superficial. And under them there are another two dozen small muscles that also perform important functions. It is they who stabilize the foot during any movements, participate in repulsion from the surface while running, and also support the arches.

The muscular apparatus of the foot

The anatomy of the foot is very complex. For the normal functioning of all its movable joints and joints, a strong muscular apparatus is necessary. Therefore, in addition to the muscles of the lower leg, which are attached with the help of tendons to the bones of the foot, it has its own muscles. They are divided into two groups depending on their location. The first includes the muscles of the back of the foot, which are responsible for its stabilization and extension of the fingers. The plantar muscles are engaged in bending the fingers, as well as supporting the arches.

Each group is respectively divided into three sections: medial, located on the side of the thumb, lateral, controlling the little finger, and middle. The most developed are the medial plantar muscles. This is due to the peculiarities of the functioning of the foot. After all, the sole bears the greatest load.

All the muscles of the human foot are short but strong. They form complex weaves with each other, with the tendons of the fingers. All this provides the feet with the ability to maintain balance and serve as a shock absorber in all movements.

Back surface

There are few muscles on the back of the foot. The largest is the long extensor of the fingers, coming from the lower leg. After the ankle joint, it splits into separate tendons that go to each toe. They not only unbend the fingers, but control the work of the anterior section. Under these tendons are short extensor fingers. There are only two of them. One goes from the calcaneus along the upper side of the foot. It is divided into four parts, attaching to the bases of the phalanges. Its function is the extension of 2-5 fingers.

The short extensor of the thumb is stronger and more developed. It is involved in maintaining balance, repulsion from the surface when running. In addition, there are four interosseous muscles on the back of the foot. They are located between the metatarsal bones, and participate in more complex movements of the fingers, shifting them to the sides, bending and unbending different phalanges.


The complex anatomical structure of the foot is necessary for it to perform its functions correctly.

Sole

The plantar surface of the foot has a more developed muscular apparatus. After all, it is this area that withstands the greatest load during all movements. The muscles are located under the plantar aponeurosis, which divides them into three groups. This anatomical structure provides greater mobility of the anterior section, stabilization of the foot under loads and support for the arches.

The first group, the medial, which controls the movements of the thumb, includes three muscles. It includes a muscle that removes the finger and brings it, as well as a short flexor. The second group, related to the 5th finger, is even smaller. These are two lateral muscles: the abductor of the little finger and its short flexor. They are the weakest, so for many people this finger almost does not work.

The middle one is the most developed muscle group of the sole. It includes more than 10 different muscles. First of all, it is a short flexor of the fingers. It is located under the plantar fascia. It goes from the calcaneus to the middle phalanges of 2-5 fingers. Dividing into four tendons, joins them. He is responsible for their bending.

The square muscle of the foot is sometimes called the accessory flexor because it controls the distal phalanges. It lies more deeply and is attached to the tendon of the long flexor in the place where it is divided into four bundles. One of its functions is to direct its work.

The movements of 2-5 fingers help control the worm-like muscles. There are 4 of them, they are short and thin, have a spindle shape. Pass between the tendons of the long flexor. In addition to flexion, their function is to support the longitudinal arch. The interosseous muscles of the foot are also located on the sole. They lie more deeply, and are located between the metatarsal bones. They control the flexion and extension of the phalanges of 3-5 fingers, and also lead them to the middle.


Only with healthy muscles of the foot can they perform their functions correctly.

Pathologies of the muscular system

Since the muscles of the foot stabilize it and are involved in maintaining the arches, when they weaken or malfunction, the load falls on other structures, mainly on the ligaments, joints and plantar fascia. As a result, inflammation develops, injuries and other pathologies may occur. Often it is the weakness of the muscular apparatus that causes pain in the foot, cramps, and swelling.

There are several pathologies that are associated with the muscles of the foot. They can occur in people of any age and physical fitness. Without timely treatment, they can cause more serious diseases. Therefore, you should be more attentive to any pain, contacting a doctor if they do not go away for several days. The specialist will be able to determine what caused them.

  • Most often, pain occurs with myositis. This is the name of the inflammatory process that occurs in muscle tissue. It develops due to increased stress, hypothermia, infection, intoxication or injury.
  • In the foot, muscle or ligament sprains also often occur. Such an injury is caused by muscle strain or sudden movement. Depending on the severity of the injury, walking discomfort or constant pain may occur. Sometimes it is accompanied by edema.
  • Flat feet also often lead to pain. After all, the deformation of the foot causes an incorrect distribution of the load.

Any muscle pain is an unnatural phenomenon. Even ordinary overwork can lead to more serious consequences if not taken care of. It is not recommended to continue to move intensively with pain, you need to give your feet a rest. In case of sprain or myositis, it is imperative to ensure rest for the legs. Useful massage, relaxing baths, warming creams. And to prevent pathologies, it is recommended to regularly perform special exercises.

The muscular-ligamentous apparatus of the foot performs very important functions. But few people pay attention to his training and protection. Therefore, various pathologies in this area are so common.

Foot, just like the hand, in addition to the tendons belonging to the long muscles descending onto it from the lower leg, it has its own short muscles; these muscles are divided into dorsal (dorsal) and plantar.

Dorsal muscles.

M. extensor digitorum brevis, short extensor of the fingers, located on the back of the foot under the tendons of the long extensor and originates on the calcaneus before entering the sinus tarsi. Heading forward, it is divided into four thin tendons to the I-IV fingers, which join the lateral edge of the tendons m. extensor digitorum longus and m. extensor hallucis longus and together with them form the dorsal tendon sprain of the fingers. The medial abdomen, which goes obliquely along with its tendon to the thumb, also has a separate name m. extensor hallucis brevis. Function. Makes the extension of the I-IV fingers along with their easy abduction to the lateral side. (Inn. L4-S1. N. peroneus profundus.)

Plantar muscles. They form three groups: medial (muscles of the thumb), lateral (muscles of the little finger) and middle, lying in the middle of the sole.

There are three muscles of the medial group:

  1. M. abductor hallucis, the muscle that removes the big toe, is located most superficially on the medial edge of the sole; originates from the processus medialis of the calcaneal tubercle, retinaculum mm. flexorum and tiberositas ossis navicularis; attaches to the medial sesamoid bone. (Inn. L5-S1 N. plantaris med.).
  2. M. flexor hallucis brevis, a short flexor of the big toe, adjacent to the lateral edge of the previous muscle, begins on the medial sphenoid bone and on the lig. calcaneocuboideum plantare. Going straight ahead, the muscle is divided into two heads, between which the tendon m passes. flexor hallucis longus. Both heads are attached to the sesamoid bones in the region of the first metatarsophalangeal articulation and to the base of the proximal phalanx of the thumb. (Inn. S1-S2. Nn. plantares medialis et lateralis.)
  3. M. adductor hallucis, the muscle that leads the big toe, lies deep and consists of two heads. One of them (oblique head, caput obliquum) originates from the cubo base of the proximal bone and lig. plantare longum, as well as from the lateral sphenoid and from the bases of the II-IV metatarsal bones, then goes obliquely forward and somewhat medially. The other head (transverse, caput transversum) originates from the articular bags of the II-V metatarsophalangeal joints and plantar ligaments; it runs transversely to the length of the foot and, together with the oblique head, is attached to the lateral sesamoid bone of the thumb. (Inn. S1-S2. N. plantaris lateralis.) Function. The muscles of the medial group of the sole, in addition to the actions indicated in the names, are involved in strengthening the arch of the foot on its medial side.

Muscles of the lateral group are two of them:

  1. M. abductor dgiti minimi, the muscle that removes the little toe of the foot, lies along the lateral edge of the sole, more superficial than other muscles. It originates from the calcaneus and inserts at the base of the proximal phalanx of the little finger.
  2. M. flexor digiti minimi brevis, a short flexor of the little toe of the foot, starts from the base of the fifth metatarsal bone and is attached to the base of the proximal phalanx of the little toe. The function of the muscles of the lateral group of the sole in terms of the impact of each of them on the little finger is insignificant. Their main role is to strengthen the lateral edge of the arch of the foot. (Inn. of all three muscles S1-S2. N. plantaris lateralis.)

Muscles of the middle group:

  1. M. flexor digitorum brevis, a short flexor of the fingers, lies superficially under the plantar aponeurosis. It starts from the calcaneal tuber and is divided into four flat tendons, attached to the middle phalanges of the II-V fingers. Before their attachment, the tendons are each split into two legs, between which the tendons m pass. flexor digitorum longus. The muscle fastens the arch of the foot in the longitudinal direction and flexes the toes (II-V). (Inn. L5-S1. N. plantaris medialis.)
  2. M. quadrdtus plantae (m. flexor accessorius), the square muscle of the sole, lies under the previous muscle, starts from the calcaneus and then joins the lateral edge of the tendon m. flexor digitorum longus. This bundle regulates the action of the long flexor of the fingers, giving its thrust a direct direction in relation to the fingers. (Inn. S1-S2. N. plantaris lateralis.)
  3. mm. lumbricales, worm-like muscles, four in number. As on the hand, they depart from the four tendons of the long flexor of the fingers and are attached to the medial edge of the proximal phalanx of the II-V fingers. They can flex the proximal phalanges; their extensor action on other phalanges is very weak or completely absent. They can still pull four other fingers towards the thumb. (Inn. L5-S1. Nn. plantares lateralis et medialis.)
  4. mm. interossei, interosseous muscles, lie most deeply on the side of the sole, corresponding to the spaces between the metatarsal bones. Dividing, like the similar muscles of the hand, into two groups - three plantar, mm. interossei plantares, and four rear ones, mm. interossei dorsales, at the same time they differ in their location. In the hand, in connection with its grasping function, they are grouped around the third finger; in the foot, in connection with its supporting role, they are grouped around the second finger, i.e., in relation to the second metatarsal bone. Functions: adduct and spread fingers, but in a very limited size. (Inn. S1-S2. N. plantaris lateralis.)

The muscles of the foot, the anatomy of which determines their complex functional relationship with the tendons of the lower leg attached in this area, perform quite important functions. Their tasks are reduced to shock absorption, as well as the pressure of springy movements on the foot when walking, preventing injury.

Muscles of the back of the foot

The muscles of the back of the foot, or as it is called the dorsal section, are located in the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe dorsal fascia, namely under it and under the tendons of the long extensor of the fingers.

The first extensor is a rather underdeveloped muscle that originates on the anterior upper and lateral sections of the heel. The short muscle covers the back surface of the human foot, reaching three tendons of 2-4 fingers. The long extensor of the thumb originates in the medial part of the fibula, descends down, passing into a narrow tendon directed towards the thumb. The muscles of the back of the foot perform the function of extension of all fingers.

The tibialis anterior elevates the medial side of the foot and rotates it outward. Thanks to the tibial muscle, as well as the functioning of other, smaller muscles of the lower leg, the longitudinal arch of the foot is strengthened.

There are also four dorsal interosseous muscles, which are localized in the interosseous spaces and occupy a place between two adjacent metatarsal bones, continuing to the bases of 2-5 fingers.

Muscles of the plantar side of the foot

The mobility of the 1st toe is provided by such muscles of the big toe as the abductor, short flexor and adductor muscles. This is the medial muscle group. The abductor muscle begins in the area where the calcaneal tuber is located. The flexor muscle originates where the medial sphenoid bone is located.

The adductor muscle is formed by two heads, one of which begins where the cuboid bone is located, continuing along the sphenoid bone and the bases of 2-4 metatarsal bones. The second head begins in the articular bags of 2-5 metatarsal bones.

The second group - 2 lateral muscles of the sole of the foot. The first lateral muscle performs the function of abduction of the little finger and takes its place on the lateral edge of the plantar part. Its origin is the calcaneus. The second lateral muscle is a short flexor of the little finger and originates at the base of the 5th metatarsal bone.

The third group - 4 muscles: a short flexor of the phalanges, a square muscle and worm-shaped muscles of the foot, interosseous muscles. The beginning of the short flexor is the calcaneal tubercle, from where its division into 4 tendons attached to 2-5 fingers is observed. The place of localization of the square muscle is under the short flexor, starting from the heel section. The four worm-like muscles of the foot originate from the four tendons of the long flexor. The beginning of the interosseous muscles is deep between the bones of the metatarsus.

Muscular pathologies

The main causes of foot pain are:

  • myositis;
  • Crick;
  • "Children's" muscle pain;
  • pregnancy;
  • flat feet.

Myositis

Myositis is an inflammation of the muscles that move the musculoskeletal system. Pain occurs suddenly, can become chronic if not treated in a timely manner.

The following reasons can cause such a disease:

  • mechanical, as well as other types of damage (traumatic form of the disease);
  • infectious process, including a chronic focus (with tonsillitis, influenza or sinusitis);
  • increased load, overvoltage, when pulling the foot while moving;
  • the development of the disease due to sudden hypothermia;
  • intoxication of the body (toxic myositis);
  • genetic background;
  • joint diseases;
  • autoimmune process (for example, rheumatoid arthritis).

The infectious form of myositis is accompanied by the most pronounced symptoms - redness of the skin, pain, swelling, which can spread up the lower leg, as well as increased local temperature.

In addition to the above symptoms, there may be a headache, deterioration of health, muscle tension. The most common is myositis of the calf muscles, which perform the function of limb mobility. For this reason, a limitation of the mobility of each joint of the leg is added.

With a timely visit to the doctor, it will be easy to eliminate myositis, especially using physiotherapy and massage. But it is worth noting that each form of the disease is treated with different methods. If we talk about home treatment, they observe bed rest. In any case, therapeutic exercises are shown, because each exercise performed has a beneficial effect on the state of the muscular apparatus. The doctor also prescribes painkillers, anti-inflammatory drugs and antibiotics.

Crick

Muscle stretching is a pathological process in which the fibers or the place of their attachment to the tendon are damaged. You can stretch the muscle with a sharp load, for example, when lifting a heavy object, a sports activity without warming up the feet. This pathology is most common in athletes.

The first, most basic symptom is pain. How intense it will be depends on the severity of the injury. At rest, the pain subsides, and when moving the foot, it returns again. Pain occurs on palpation of the damaged area, radiating up the leg. There is often swelling.

A slight sprain is not accompanied by severe pain. In this case, only slightly pulls the area of ​​injury (for example, the plantar surface).

Sprains are classified according to severity:

  1. Mild pain, rather discomfort, in which the foot pulls while walking (disappears after a few days).
  2. Moderate pain, possible hematoma.
  3. Rupture of muscle fibers, their separation from the tendons, swelling, hematoma, severe pain, limitation of foot mobility.

The first action of a person immediately after injury is the application of a cold compress. This is necessary to reduce the manifestation of pain, as well as swelling. Further, they provide the limbs with complete rest: walking is prohibited, any movement of the foot. It is also necessary to give the leg an elevated position to prevent the spread of swelling.

Treatment depends on the severity of the sprain. So, with a mild degree, a warming ointment is prescribed, which will help improve blood circulation in the affected area and, as a result, quickly heal the injury and eliminate swelling. The average degree of injury is treated with heat, for example, baths, as well as the same warming ointments. It is recommended to develop the affected department with simple exercises (physiotherapy exercises).

In case of severe injury, longer treatment is indicated. In case of an anguish or rupture of blood vessels, an operation is performed. In the postoperative period, a set of exercises to perform (exercise therapy), as well as physiotherapy, is prescribed. Electrical muscle stimulation is often prescribed to help strengthen muscles in the foot that have been damaged.

Muscle pain in children

Muscle pain in children is associated with the growth process and is a natural response of the body to growing up. But not all children have the symptom. Why this happens is not fully understood, but there is an assumption that pain is the result of a discrepancy between the growth rates of bones, muscles and ligaments. There is also an opinion that a symptom in children occurs against the background of hidden congenital or acquired pathologies. Other, no less rare diseases, the symptom of which is muscle pain, are:

  • myositis;
  • dehydration due to active loads;
  • Duchenne myopathy (genetic disease);
  • epidemic myalgia (exposure to the Coxsackie virus);
  • pain may be present with flat feet.

In the latter case, all forces are directed to strengthening the muscles of the foot, performing daily massage, physical education.

Pain during pregnancy

The main cause of muscle pain during this period is hormonal changes in the body. Almost every second pregnant woman has pain in the muscles of the limbs. The reason for this is vascular dysfunction, which is a consequence of the fact that weight increases. Often during pregnancy, varicose veins occur, also causing a symptom.

If before such a position a woman suffered from flat feet, she should be prepared that an exacerbation of the disease may occur during pregnancy, causing muscle hypertonicity.

flat feet

Limbs can hurt with such a pathology as flat feet. In addition to pain in the feet, swelling occurs, as well as a feeling of heaviness. Cramps are often present, especially after a hard day's work. Women have a problem with wearing shoes with heels, and an elongated foot leads to the purchase of shoes of a larger size. The last stage of the disease is accompanied by pain in the vertebral region, the head.

There is a longitudinal, transverse and combined flat feet. Pain is present in any form of the disease. Incorrectly selected shoes, excess weight, excessive loads on the limbs can cause this or that form of flat feet. In most cases, flat feet are a congenital disease.

The pain will disappear only after the elimination of its provocative cause - flat feet. It is possible to cure the disease in young children without surgery, but only with its timely detection. So, the treatment consists in conducting therapeutic exercises, massage, baths, compresses for the feet. An equally effective type of treatment is therapy with warming ointments, which improve blood circulation in the damaged area.

In an adult, curing the disease is much more difficult, because you can only reduce the intensity of the symptoms. Complete cure is possible with surgery.

Most often, muscle pain is an unnatural phenomenon, it is better to consult a doctor to avoid negative consequences in the future.