Foot interossei & lumbricals

Schematic anatomy
Deep layerFoot interossei & lumbricals

Quadriceps

Rectus femorisVastus lateralisVastus medialisVastus intermedius

Hamstrings

Biceps femorisSemitendinosusSemimembranosus

Glutes

Gluteus maximusGluteus mediusGluteus minimus

Adductors

Adductor longusAdductor brevisAdductor magnusGracilisPectineus

Hip flexors

Psoas majorIliacusTensor fasciae lataeSartorius

Hip rotators

PiriformisObturator internusObturator externusSuperior gemellusInferior gemellusQuadratus femoris

Calves

GastrocnemiusSoleus

Shins & ankles

Tibialis anteriorTibialis posteriorFibularis longus & brevisExtensor digitorum longusExtensor hallucis longusFlexor digitorum longusFlexor hallucis longus

Feet

Abductor hallucisFlexor hallucis brevisAdductor hallucisFlexor digitorum brevisQuadratus plantaeFoot interossei & lumbricalsAbductor digiti minimiExtensor digitorum & hallucis brevis
Movement guide

Foot interossei & lumbricals

Coordinate toe spacing and the balance of toe-joint flexion and extension.

01

Toe spread

Intrinsic foot control · Bodyweight

Also works

Abductor hallucis, abductor digiti minimi

How to perform

With the foot resting on the floor, spread the toes gently, pause, then relax.

Keep the heel grounded and avoid forcing individual toes.

Example volume · 2 sets × 8–12 reps

02

Toe adduction squeeze

Toe control · Soft foam

Also works

Other intrinsic foot muscles

How to perform

Place a small piece of soft foam between adjacent toes. Bring the toes together gently and release.

Keep the rest of the foot relaxed.

Example volume · 1–2 sets × 8–12 reps

Referencesorthoinfo.aaos.org

Community draft · awaiting expert review