top of page
< Back

Plantar interossei

Region

Origin & Insertion

['Origin: Medial sides of metatarsals 3–5', 'Insertion: Medial sides of proximal phalanges and extensor expansions']

Synergistic Muscles

['Dorsal interossei', 'Lumbricals']

Joints

['MTP, PIP, DIP']

Primary Actions

['Adduct toes 3–5', 'Flex MTP', 'Extend IP joints']

Nerve & Spinal Segment

Lateral plantar nerve

Sacral plexus; S2–S3

Interesting

PAD = Plantar ADduct. [Gray’s]

Reversal of Action

Forefoot tension for stability during loading

Common Dysfunctions

Claw toe, foot arch imbalance

How to Stretch

Toe abduction with gentle pull.

Trigger Points

How to Strengthen

Toe adduction against resistance.

Concentric Action

Adduct toes 3–5

Applications:

Supports toe stability in narrow shoes and rehab

Eccentric Action

Control splay of toes

Isotonic Action

Toe squeeze together

Related Conditions

['Metatarsalgia', 'Neuroma']

Isometric Action

Hold toes in midline alignment

Exercise Ideas

['Toe pinch hold', 'Ball squeeze with toes', 'Short foot with curl']

Related Blogs

Images

Videos

bottom of page