
The extensor digitorum brevis muscle is located at the top of the foot, connecting the heel bone to the second, third, and fourth toes.
Indicators of extensor digitorum brevis problems are aching on the top of the foot. When the muscle is short and tight, it can cause foot cramps, and the top of the foot may tingle and feel numb. The extensor digitorum brevis is also a contributor to hammertoe and claw toes.
The Location of the Extensor Digitorum Brevis Muscle


The extensor digitorum brevis is located on the top of the foot. It connects the heel bone (calcaneus) to the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th toes (phalanges).
The Extensor Digitorum Brevis Muscle Action Straightens and Raises 3 Small Toes Up Toward The Body

The extensor digitorum brevis straightens the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th toes. The muscle also pulls the same toes upward toward the body.
For detailed origin, insertion, and action information: Extensor Digitorum Brevis Muscle Anatomy.
Extensor Digitorum Brevis Pain And Symptoms
Symptoms include:
- Pain in the top of the foot
- Cramps in the top of the foot and the toes
- Difficulty raising the foot
- Difficulty raising the small toes
- Contributes to the development of hammertoe and claw toe
Deep aching pain in the top of the foot is a prime indicator of a problem with the extensor digitorum brevis muscle. You may experience foot and toe cramps with or without the aching pain.
Another indicator of this muscle dysfunction is difficulty raising the foot and the toes toward the body. If you have difficulty raising the foot, it can lead to tripping and falls.
The muscle is also a contributor to hammertoe and claw toe. If you develop either of these conditions, check the extensor digitorum brevis for tightness and trigger points.
The extensor digitorum brevis muscle is affected and can affect these conditions.
CLAW TOE | FOOT CRAMPS | FOOT PAIN | GOUT | HAMMER TOE | TURF TOE
Other muscles that should be examined:
- Extensor Hallucis Brevis
- Extensor Digitorum
Products TWD Use and Recommend For Foot Pain
Sombra Warming Gel is recommended for relaxing muscles and relieving pain. It warms without the burning heat of other gels. An excellent choice for pain caused by trigger points, muscle/joint overuse and stiffness, and arthritis. Somba works well for chronic foot pain; it provides almost instant relief. (Not sold in stores)
Biofreeze Pain Relieving Gel is an excellent pain-relieving gel recommended for those with sudden onset muscle pain or recent injuries. It is better to use than warm therapy gels and creams for muscle pain caused by inflammation as it cools the area much like ice. If your pain is from a recent injury, use Biofreeze. It is excellent to use on sprains and strained and sore ankles.
Yoga Toes Gems are highly recommended for foot and lower leg pain. The separators stretch the muscles of the feet and many muscles of the lower leg. Used regularly, Yoga Toes do help straighten and align your toes. They can also be helpful for some cases of bunions, hammertoes, and claw toes. It can also help with issues of plantar fasciitis. For Men's shoe size ten+ and women's shoe size 12+, consider Yoga Toes For Men
The Serenily Massage Ball Set includes a smooth ball, two spiked balls, and a roller, which will give you maximum treatment for various aches and pains in your feet and other areas of the body. The balls vary in flexibility to provide needed pressure. The roller can be used for hot or cold treatments. The set comes with instructions and exercises. Rolling your feet takes just a few minutes each day and can provide excellent results for foot, lower leg, hip, and back pain.
The Causes Of Extensor Digitorum Brevis Pain
- Stubbing the toes
- Kicking a ball
- Pedaling a bike
- Climbing stairs
- Shoes that are too small
- Lacing shoes too tightly across the top of the foot
- Wearing high heels
One leading cause of pain in the top of the foot is dropping something heavy on your foot. However, if you have not dropped something on your foot and the top of your foot is aching, here are some other possible causes of your pain.
Stubbing your toes affects the extensor digitorum brevis muscle. The muscle becomes bruised and tight, which may lead to trigger point development.
Activities like pedaling a bike and climbing stairs that require repetitive bending and picking up the foot stress the muscle. When the muscles that lift and bend the foot become sore and stiff, your chances of tripping increase.
Shoe fit is crucial to keep foot, ankle, knee, hip, and back pain at bay. Shoes that are too narrow or too short squeeze the toes, affecting all the muscles in the feet. High heels distress the foot muscles and throw off body balance, leading to joint and muscle pain from the low back down to the feet.
The extensor digitorum brevis is sensitive to lace-up shoes that are laced too tightly. Shoes with thin straps across the foot may also cause pain in the muscle if the straps are too tight.
How To Avoid the Development of Trigger Points In The Extensor Digitorum Brevis Muscle
Proper fitting shoes is the most critical consideration to resolve and avoid foot pain. Make sure your shoes are wide enough, and do not squeeze your foot. While tying lace-up shoes, be sure the lacing is not so tight that it digs into your foot.
Length is also important. If your shoes are even slightly too short, your toes will bend upwards to avoid jamming into the end of the toe box. Shoes that are too short are uncomfortable and painful and can lead to the development of claw toe and hammertoe.
Activities like bike pedaling and stair climbing require repetitive bending at the leg and ankle connection which can overwork the muscle. If adding such activities to your fitness program, start slow and build your fitness level.
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Common Locations Of Trigger Points In The Extensor Digitorum Brevis Muscle


Check for these trigger points if you are experiencing pain on the the top of your foot.
Extensor Digitorum Brevis Muscle Self-Treatment Massage
You can easily massage and self-treat trigger points in the extensor digitorum brevis muscle. Using your thumbs and fingers, massage the top and bottom of the foot under the toes and down into the arch. Use light pressure on the top of the foot as deep pressure may bruise the area, increasing your pain. The bottom of the foot can tolerate more pressure. Start with light pressure, gradually increasing as you go. Do the treatment morning and night for 2-3 minutes each treatment.
How Long Before I Feel A Reduction In Pain?
You will usually feel some relief after one or two days of treatment. If you discover trigger points, continue treatments until the trigger point is gone and pressure on the area does not cause pain.
If you find trigger points in the extensor digitorum brevis, you will want to check these muscles for additional trigger points, known as satellite trigger points.
- Extensor hallucis brevis
- Extensor digitorum longus
- Peroneus longus and brevis
- Peroneus tertius
- Tibialis anterior
Recommended Resource
The Trigger Point Therapy Workbook is recommended to people who want to learn about trigger points and referred pain. The book includes diagrams and easy-to-follow instructions for treating trigger points throughout the body.
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References:
Clay, J. H., Allen, L., Pounds, D. (2015). Clay & Pounds' Basic Clinical Massage Therapy: Integrating Anatomy and Treatment (3rd ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins
Finando, D., Finando, S. , (2005). Trigger Point Therapy for Myofascial Pain: The Practice of Informed Touch (1st ed.) Rochester, VT: Healing Arts Press.
Muscolino, J., (2016) Kinesiology: The Skeletal System and Muscle Function (3rd ed.). Maryland Heights, Missouri: Mosby.
Image Credits: Dreamstime