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Dorsal interossei

Region

Origin & Insertion

['Origin: Adjacent sides of metatarsals', 'Insertion: Proximal phalanges and extensor expansions']

Synergistic Muscles

['Plantar interossei', 'Lumbricals']

Joints

['MTP, PIP, DIP']

Primary Actions

['Abduct toes 2–4', 'Flex MTP joints', 'Extend IP joints']

Nerve & Spinal Segment

Lateral plantar nerve (deep branch)

Sacral plexus; S2–S3

Interesting

DAB = Dorsal ABduct. [Moore's]

Reversal of Action

Forefoot control during stance phase

Common Dysfunctions

Toe splay loss, limited abduction

How to Stretch

Toe adduction + flexion.

Trigger Points

How to Strengthen

Toe spreading and splaying drills.

Concentric Action

Abduct toes 2–4

Applications:

Improves foot flexibility and inter-toe coordination

Eccentric Action

Control toe return to midline

Isotonic Action

Toe spread with resistance

Related Conditions

['Toe misalignment', 'Neuroma']

Isometric Action

Hold toes in abducted position

Exercise Ideas

['Toe spread hold', 'Band toe abduction', 'Short foot drill']

Related Blogs

Images

Videos

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