Welcome to the sixth and final video in our sports massage of the foot. This time we look at the quadratus plantae muscle. This wonderful tissue is one of the highlight muscles involved in treatment of Plantar Fascitis.

The quadratus plantae has two heads. Its larger, medial head attaches proximally to the medial side of the calcaneus, and the flat tendinous lateral head attaches proximally to the lateral side of that bone and to the long plantar ligament. The two heads are separated by the long plantar ligament and converge distally at an acute angle to join the lateral margin of the tendon and the tendon of the flexor digitorum longus.

It assists flexor digitorum longus in flexion of the phalanges of the four lesser toes and also provides proximal stability to the lumbrical muscles of the foot.

Quadratus plantae changes the posteromedial pull of the flexor digitorum longus into that of pure flexion of the toes. This may be especially valuable in flexing the toes when the weightbearing foot is dorsiflexing at the ankle, so you can see why it is involved in plantar fascia conditions.

What is also important to note is that the quadratus plantae, flexor digitorum longus and brevis, lumbricals, and interossei function as a team to flex the four lesser toes and to control their extension.

Dysfunction in the quadratus plantae can result in heel pain, especially if the lateral plantar nerve gets entrapped between the two heads. Poor quality or poorly fitted footwear can also result in dysfunction of this muscle.

When we palpate the quadratus plantae trigger points, you will need to use deep palpation and sufficient pressure to sink deep to the plantar aponeurosis with the toes slightly extended. Spot tenderness is usually clearly definable, but one should not expect to feel a taut band in this muscle.
The quadratus plantae trigger points refer pain and tenderness to the bottom of the heel but will be very hot just proximal to calcaneal attachment.

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.