Anatomy Review: The Foot Core

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Artist - Arnauld-Eloi Gautier-Dagoty (1741-1771)

Artist - Arnauld-Eloi Gautier-Dagoty (1741-1771)

The Foot Core

Intrinsic foot muscles play a crucial role in supporting the medial longitudinal arch, providing the foot stability and flexibility for shock absorption. This post is a brief introduction to "The Foot Core',  also known as the intrinsic foot muscles. 

The foot core is described as having four layers, which all work together to support the foot.

• Foot Core Layer 1: abductor hallucis, flexor digitorum brevis, abductor digiti minimi

• Foot Core Layer 2: quadratus plantae, lumbricals

• Foot Core Layer 3:  flexor digiti minimi, adductor hallucis oblique head, adductor hallucis transverse head, flexor hallucis brevis

• Foot Core Layer 4: dorsal interossei, extensor digitorum brevis.

For a deep look into the importance of 'The Foot Core' check out this paper - The foot core system: a new paradigm for understanding intrinsic foot muscle function.

More to Explore

Fraser, J.J., Feger, M.A., Hertel, J.  (2016). Midfoot and forefoot involvement in lateral ankle sprains and chronic instability. Part 1: Anatomy and Biomechanics. Int J Sports Phys Ther.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27904801

Fraser, J.J., Feger, M.A., Hertel, J. (2016). Clinical commentary on midfoot and forefoot involvement in lateral ankle sprains and chronic ankle instability. Part 2 Clinical Considerations. Int J Sports Phys Ther. 
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27999731

McKeon, P.O., Fourchet, F. (2015). Freeing the foot: integrating the foot core system into rehabilitation for lower extremity injuries. Clin Sports Med. 
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25818718

McKeon, P.O., Hertel, J., Bramble, D., Davis, I. (2015). The foot core system: a new paradigm for understanding intrinsic foot muscle function. Br J Sports Med.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24659509 

Sulowska, I., Oleksy, Ł, Mika, A., Bylina, D., & Sołtan, J. (2016). The Influence of Plantar Short Foot Muscle Exercises on Foot Posture and Fundamental Movement Patterns in Long-Distance Runners, a Non-Randomized, Non-Blinded Clinical Trial. PLoS ONE. (Open Access)
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27336689