Abductor Digiti Minimi (Foot): Pain Pattern and Treatment
The abductor digiti minimi runs along the outer edge of the sole from the heel bone to the little toe. It spreads the little toe and steadies the outer edge of the foot. Its documented pattern is pain on the sole under the little toe, at the outer corner of the ball of the foot. It is a common finding in a foot that rolls outward, in shoes that pinch the forefoot, and under a callus that keeps coming back. It relates to the deep foot muscles page.
Attachments and action
Origin: The outer and inner processes of the calcaneal tuberosity and the plantar aponeurosis.
Insertion: The outer side of the base of the proximal phalanx of the little toe.
Action: Abduction and flexion of the little toe at its base; it supports the outer edge of the foot.
Where the pain is felt: On the sole under the little toe, at the outer edge of the ball of the foot. Sometimes along the outer edge of the sole.
Common causes: Shoes narrow at the forefoot; a foot that rolls outward; a high arch that loads the outer edge; running on a cambered road; walking on the outer edge of the foot to protect a sore big toe or heel; a long period in a boot.
Patients say: "Right under my little toe, on the bottom." A callus there that keeps coming back. "Narrow shoes set it off." Pain on the outer edge of my foot after walking on a slope.
When to get evaluated: Pain on the outer edge of the foot after a twist or a fall, with swelling over the fifth metatarsal, needs an X-ray for a fracture at its base first. A hot, red, swollen foot with fever needs medical evaluation.
How this muscle is examined and treated
Examination presses the outer edge of the sole from the heel to the little toe for the point that reproduces the familiar pain under the little toe, tests little-toe abduction, and checks the fifth metatarsal for bone tenderness. Needling here addresses the muscle along the outer edge of the foot. Assessment and treatment happen in the same visit.
Related conditions
Ankle & Foot PainChronic Pain PatternsSports & Performance Injuries
This page is educational. It describes muscle referral patterns commonly associated with pain; it does not diagnose your condition. Individual patterns vary. For evaluation of your specific pain, see a licensed clinician. Seek immediate medical care for emergencies. Eugene Baek, L.Ac. · New Jersey License 25MZ00080600