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Muscles/Foot

Foot

extensor hallucis brevis

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The extensor hallucis brevis is a small muscle on the top of the foot that specifically extends the big toe (hallux). It works alongside other extensors to lift the toes during walking or running, preventing toes from dragging. For fitness enthusiasts, it's key for foot stability in activities like sprinting or plyometrics.

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Common Pain & Injury

Pain in this muscle often feels like sharp discomfort on the top of the foot near the big toe, especially during toe-off in gait. Overuse from tight shoes or high-impact activities can cause tendinitis. See a doctor if pain persists with swelling or limits walking.

Anatomy & Function

Origin

Dorsal surface of the calcaneus (heel bone top) and interosseous talocalcaneal ligament.

Insertion

Dorsal aspect of the base of the proximal phalanx of the great toe (big toe base).

Actions

  • Extension of the metatarsophalangeal joint of the hallux (big toe lift)

Innervation

Deep peroneal nerve (L5-S1).

Muscle Relationships

Antagonists

Flexor hallucis brevis

Synergists

Extensor hallucis longusExtensor digitorum brevis

Trigger Points

Trigger points form on the dorsum of the foot near the big toe; refer pain locally to the top of the foot and big toe joint.

Stretches

1Big toe extensor stretch
2Dorsiflexion towel stretch

Common Conditions

Extensor hallucis brevis tendinopathyHallux rigidus

Anatomical Parts

Left extensor hallucis brevisRight extensor hallucis brevis

FAQ

What does extensor hallucis brevis do?

It extends the big toe at the metatarsophalangeal joint, aiding in push-off during walking and running.

Extensor hallucis brevis pain causes?

Commonly from tight shoes, overuse in runners, or foot deformities causing top-of-foot pain.

How to stretch extensor hallucis brevis?

Pull the big toe downward gently while keeping the foot relaxed, or use a towel for dorsiflexion.

Exercises for extensor hallucis brevis

20
Ankle Circles position 1
Ankle Circles position 2

Ankle Circles

beginner
Anterior Tibialis-SMR position 1
Anterior Tibialis-SMR position 2

Anterior Tibialis-SMR

intermediate·other
Balance Board position 1
Balance Board position 2

Balance Board

beginner·other
Barbell Seated Calf Raise position 1
Barbell Seated Calf Raise position 2

Barbell Seated Calf Raise

beginner·barbell
Calf Press position 1
Calf Press position 2

Calf Press

beginner·machine
Calf Press On The Leg Press Machine position 1
Calf Press On The Leg Press Machine position 2

Calf Press On The Leg Press Machine

beginner·machine
Calf Raise On A Dumbbell position 1
Calf Raise On A Dumbbell position 2

Calf Raise On A Dumbbell

intermediate·dumbbell
Calf Raises - With Bands position 1
Calf Raises - With Bands position 2

Calf Raises - With Bands

beginner·bands
Calf Stretch Elbows Against Wall position 1
Calf Stretch Elbows Against Wall position 2

Calf Stretch Elbows Against Wall

beginner
Calf Stretch Hands Against Wall position 1
Calf Stretch Hands Against Wall position 2

Calf Stretch Hands Against Wall

beginner
Calves-SMR position 1
Calves-SMR position 2

Calves-SMR

intermediate·foam roll
Donkey Calf Raises position 1
Donkey Calf Raises position 2

Donkey Calf Raises

intermediate·other
Dumbbell Seated One-Leg Calf Raise position 1
Dumbbell Seated One-Leg Calf Raise position 2

Dumbbell Seated One-Leg Calf Raise

beginner·dumbbell
Foot-SMR position 1
Foot-SMR position 2

Foot-SMR

intermediate·other
Knee Circles position 1
Knee Circles position 2

Knee Circles

beginner·Bodyweight
Peroneals-SMR position 1
Peroneals-SMR position 2

Peroneals-SMR

intermediate·foam roll
Peroneals Stretch position 1
Peroneals Stretch position 2

Peroneals Stretch

intermediate·other
Posterior Tibialis Stretch position 1
Posterior Tibialis Stretch position 2

Posterior Tibialis Stretch

intermediate·other
Rocking Standing Calf Raise position 1
Rocking Standing Calf Raise position 2

Rocking Standing Calf Raise

beginner·barbell
Seated Calf Raise position 1
Seated Calf Raise position 2

Seated Calf Raise

beginner·machine

Also Works extensor hallucis brevis

10
90/90 Hamstring position 1
90/90 Hamstring position 2

90/90 Hamstring

beginner·Bodyweight
Alternate Leg Diagonal Bound position 1
Alternate Leg Diagonal Bound position 2

Alternate Leg Diagonal Bound

beginner
Alternating Hang Clean position 1
Alternating Hang Clean position 2

Alternating Hang Clean

intermediate·kettlebells
Atlas Stones position 1
Atlas Stones position 2

Atlas Stones

expert·other
Backward Drag position 1
Backward Drag position 2

Backward Drag

beginner·other
Ball Leg Curl position 1
Ball Leg Curl position 2

Ball Leg Curl

beginner·exercise ball
Barbell Deadlift position 1
Barbell Deadlift position 2

Barbell Deadlift

intermediate·barbell
Barbell Full Squat position 1
Barbell Full Squat position 2

Barbell Full Squat

intermediate·barbell
Barbell Glute Bridge position 1
Barbell Glute Bridge position 2

Barbell Glute Bridge

intermediate·barbell
Barbell Hack Squat position 1
Barbell Hack Squat position 2

Barbell Hack Squat

intermediate·barbell

Related Foot Muscles

Abductor digiti minimi of left foot
This small muscle on the outer edge of the left foot spreads the little toe away from the others, aiding balance and push-off in gait. It's vital for foot arch stability during running or lateral movements. Runners and athletes appreciate its role in preventing foot pronation issues.
Abductor digiti minimi of right foot
This muscle runs along the outer arch of the right foot, abducting the little toe to support lateral stability and toe-off in walking. Essential for preventing supination injuries in trail running. It matters for overall foot mechanics in dynamic sports.
abductor hallucis
This medial foot muscle abducts and flexes the big toe, supporting the arch and propulsion in walking or sprinting. Key for preventing flat feet and plantar fasciitis. Runners target it for injury prevention and efficiency.
adductor hallucis
Inner foot muscle adducts the big toe, stabilizing the transverse arch during toe-off. Prevents hallux valgus and aids propulsion. Important for barefoot training enthusiasts.
First lumbrical of left foot
The first lumbrical of the left foot is a small worm-like muscle that flexes the big toe's base and extends its tip, stabilizing during gait. It fine-tunes toe position for balance in yoga or barefoot training. Key for foot intrinsic strength.
First lumbrical of right foot
The first lumbrical of the right foot flexes the big toe's proximal joint and extends the distal one for precise foot control. Essential for push-off in unilateral sports like kicking. Builds foot dexterity for minimalist shoe training.
flexor accessorius
Flexor accessorius (quadratus plantae) is a flat muscle in the sole of the foot that assists flexing the lateral toes. It aligns toe flexors for even toe curl in gripping surfaces. Useful for climbers and martial artists needing foot grip.
Flexor digiti minimi brevis of left foot
This small muscle in the left foot's sole flexes the pinky toe at its base. It aids toe grip for balance on uneven terrain. Relevant for barefoot runners enhancing foot intrinsics.

Foot Pain Guide

Common causes and relief

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Activities & Sports

See which activities use extensor hallucis brevis

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Pinpoint·Interactive 3D Anatomy & Exercise Guide