This video is part two of our series on massage techniques for foot pain. This time, we explore the abductor hallucis muscle. This tissue is easy to miss when treating foot pain, as we tend to focus on the medial arch often because the abductor hallucis simply doesn't get a lot of time in the spotlight during anatomy education.

The abductor hallucis is one of the superficial medial plantar muscles of the foot. It anchors proximally to the medial process of the tuberosity of the calcaneus, to the flexor retinaculum of the ankle, to the plantar aponeurosis, and to the intermuscular septum shared with the flexor digitorum brevis. Its tendon joins with that of the medial head of the flexor hallucis brevis and is usually said to attach distally to the medial side of the base of the proximal phalanx of the great toe.

The abductor hallucis acts as a flexor and abductor of the proximal phalanx of the great toe. As such, it plays a key role in foot mechanics and overall stability, particularly when providing propulsive force while walking and running.

The posterior tibial nerve and its two branches, the medial and lateral plantar nerves, may become entrapped against the medial tarsal bones by the abductor hallucis muscle as the nerves pass deep to the muscle. These nerves pass deep to the abductor hallucis just below the medial malleolus, immediately distal to the flexor retinaculum of the tarsal tunnel. Entrapment of the nerves in that area by the taut bands of trigger points in the abductor hallucis muscle may be responsible for tarsal tunnel syndrome.

Because of its role in stabilising and propelling the foot, the abductor hallucis can be at risk of strain and eventually dysfunction from activity that requires repetitive impact on the feet. The obvious culprits are running and jumping sports, but don't discount dancing, cycling, and even martial arts as contributors. Proper warmup, stretching, strengthening exercises, and appropriate footwear can help mitigate the risk of injury and muscle imbalance in these activities.

Its trigger points mainly refer to the medial heel with light spillover to the medial arch.

Part 1:    • Extensor digitorum brevis and extenso...  
Part 2:    • Abductor hallucis | Sports massage fo...  
Part 3:    • Abductor digiti minimi | Sports massa...  
Part 4:    • Flexor digitorum brevis | Sports mass...  
Part 5:    • Adductor hallucis | Sports massage fo...  
Part 6:    • Quadratus plantae | Sports massage fo...  

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These videos are intended to be used for information purposes only and are not intended to be used for medical diagnosis or treatment or to substitute for medical diagnosis and/or treatment rendered or prescribed by a physician or trained healthcare professional. This information is designed as educational material and should not be taken as a recommendation for the treatment of any particular person or patient. Always consult your physician if you think you need treatment or if you feel unwell.