Pinpoint
Muscles/Foot

Foot

flexor hallucis brevis

FLEK-sor HAL-yoo-sis BREH-vis

The flexor hallucis brevis is a short muscle in the sole of the foot that flexes the big toe's proximal joint. It stabilizes the arch during walking and running, crucial for propulsion and balance in barefoot training or sprinting. Weakness contributes to flat feet and poor push-off power.

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Common Pain & Injury

Pain under the big toe or midfoot, sharp with push-off or big toe bending. Overuse in runners causes sesamoiditis or plantar pain. See a doctor if pain limits walking or swelling persists.

Anatomy & Function

Origin

Plantar surface of cuboid and lateral cuneiform bones (midfoot bones under arch)

Insertion

Proximal phalanx of great toe via two tendons (base of big toe bone)

Actions

  • Metatarsophalangeal joint flexion of hallux (bending big toe base)
  • Arch support during gait

Innervation

Medial plantar nerve

Muscle Relationships

Antagonists

Extensor hallucis longus

Synergists

Abductor hallucisFlexor hallucis longus

Trigger Points

In the medial midfoot, referring pain locally to the big toe and plantar arch.

Stretches

1Big toe extensor stretch
2Seated foot arch stretch
3Golfer's toe stretch

Common Conditions

Flexor hallucis brevis strainSesamoiditisPlantar fasciitis

Anatomical Parts

Lateral head of right flexor hallucis brevisMedial head of right flexor hallucis brevisMedial head of left flexor hallucis brevisLateral head of left flexor hallucis brevis

FAQ

Flexor hallucis brevis function

Flexes big toe base to aid propulsion and arch stability.

Flexor hallucis brevis pain

Common in runners; rest and big toe stretches alleviate it.

Where is flexor hallucis brevis

Deep in the sole under the big toe joint.

Flexor hallucis brevis stretch

Pull big toe upward while dorsiflexing ankle.

Exercises for flexor 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 flexor 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.
extensor hallucis brevis
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.
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.

Foot Pain Guide

Common causes and relief

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Activities & Sports

See which activities use flexor hallucis brevis

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Pinpoint·Interactive 3D Anatomy & Exercise Guide