Abductor Hallucis

The Abductor Hallucis is a superficial muscle of the foot.

Anatomical Attachments:

• Origin: Attaches to the medial process of the tuberosity of the calcaneus, the plantar aponeurosis and the intermuscular septum.
• Insertion: Attaches to the base of the proximal phalanx of the great toe.

Action: Flexes and abducts the great toe.

Nerve Supply: Medial plantar nerves (L4, L5).

Nerve Entrapment: When entrapped, the posterior tibial nerve, and the medial and lateral plantar nerves, may be responsible for a Tarsal tunnel syndrome.

Vascular supply: Medial plantar artery.

• Primary: The primary pain is experienced on the medial aspect of the heel with the spill over to the instep and posterior heel. Due to its referral, it is frequently misdiagnosed as either plantar fasciitis or bone spurs.
• Satellite or associated triggers: Neighboring deep intrinsic foot muscles.

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Trigger Point Signs and Symptoms: Sore feet, tendency to limp, deep aching pain at rest.

Trigger Point Activating and Perpetuating Factors: Shoes that are too small, injury to the toes, rocking the foot side to side (Morton’s foot syndrome).

Differential Diagnosis: (Segmental, Subluxation, Somatic dysfunction) L4 radiculopathy, S2 Sciatic nerve lesion, Achilles tendinitis, Plantar fasciitis, Bone Spur, Pes cavus, Pes Planus (flat feet), Bunions, congenital hypertrophy, Hip or knee discomfort secondary to antalgic gait, Morton’s foot syndrome, Diabetic neuropathy, Polyneuropathy, Reflex sympathetic dystrophy (Complex regional pain syndrome), Bone fracture, Sprain/Strain, Tarsal tunnel syndrome, Callus, Bulla (blister), Bursitis, Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Systemic infections or inflammation, Nutritional inadequacy, Metabolic imbalance, Toxicity, Side effects of medication.

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