In the fifth video in our series on sports massage for the foot, we take a look at the adductor hallucis.

This muscle has two heads: the oblique and the transverse heads. The oblique head is diagonally across the first four metatarsal bones. It anchors proximally on to the bases of the second, third, and fourth metatarsal bones and onto the sheath of the tendon of the peroneus longus; it attaches distally to the lateral aspect of the base of the proximal phalanx of the large toe together with the lateral part of the flexor hallucis brevis.

The transverse head spans the space superficial to the second through fourth metatarsal heads.

The muscle attaches laterally to the plantar metatarsophalangeal (MP) ligaments of the third, fourth, and fifth toes and to the transverse metatarsal ligaments of the same digits. Medially, the muscle of the transverse head join to attach to the lateral aspect of the base of the proximal phalanx of the large toe, blending with the tendon of the oblique head. Distal attachment is the cuboid bone but more medially than the flexor hallicus brevis cuboid attachment.

The adductor hallucis facilitates walking by adducting the great toe that is, it draws the great toe toward the second toe. This helps stabilise the toes and aids in pushoff efficiency. It also assists in flexion of the proximal phalanx of the great toe and in maintaining transverse plane stability. The adductor hallucis also helps stabilise the forefoot (metatarsal head region) in the transverse fibres. The stability granted by the adductor hallucis also helps the foot absorb forces generated during foot strike, contributing to injury prevention.

The oblique head of this muscle, on stimulation, produces adduction more forceful than that of the lateral head of the flexor hallucis brevis.

Adductor hallucis and flexor hallucis brevis also form a functional unit to control the positioning of, and the force exerted by, the great toe. From a trigger point referral point of view it refers pain and tenderness to the plantar surface of much of the forefoot , but keep in mind as does the gastrocnemius trigger point but usually refers more proximally to the instep.

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.