Functions of the big toe

There are normally five toes present on each human foot. Each toe consists of three phalanx bones, the proximal, middle, and distal, except for the big toe as in Latin: hallux. For a minority of people, the little toe also is missing a middle bone. The hallux only contains two phalanx bones, the proximal and distal. The joints between each phalanx are the interphalangeal joints. The proximal phalanx bone of each toe articulates with the metatarsal bone of the foot at the metatarsophalangeal joint. Each toe is surrounded by skin, and present on all five toes is a toenail.

The main function of the big toe is to facilitate propulsion during the take-off phase of gait. Furthermore, when standing, it has a tensing function, activating the structures of the plantar fascia and supporting the plantar vault. In this way, it acts on body stability, fixing our main support base. This tension function is not carried out independently, since it is helped by: posterior tibial, peroneus longus, anterior tibial, big toe flexor and plantar muscles.

These two functions are not only important during walking, since they allow us a good transmission of upward forces from the foot, but they are also important during running or jumping, as they help cushion the impacts that occur, generating changes in biomechanics and running production.

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The big toe, also called the hallux

It is made up of two toe bones (called phalanges). The two phalanges (known as distal and proximal phalanx), make up the interphalangeal joint of the hallux. The first metatarsophalangeal joint (or 1st MTPJ) is the joint between the big toe and the first metatarsal. Beneath the first metatarsal head are usually two small rounded bones called sesamoids. Muscles and ligaments attach to the first MTPJ, and play a vital role in both normal and abnormal function of this joint.

Poor functionality in big toe

Poor functionality or biomechanics of this complex can cause, on the one hand, alterations in the transmission of forces. But, on the other hand, and these are somewhat more delicate.

Poor movement of the first toe can lead to:

— Appearance of a bunion.
— A plantar fasciitis.
— Achilles tendinopathy.
— Even knee and hip problems due to this defective upward transmission of forces.

Is the big toe useful for walking?

Walking can be understood as the main form of movement of human beings in their environment. And for this displacement to occur, there must be coordination of the neuromuscular, osteoarticular and musculotendinous systems. During walking, one leg is responsible for carrying out the forward movement, while the other stabilizes the body, thus preventing us from becoming destabilized or falling.

We must understand walking as a global pattern of movement in which the different parts of the body (finger, ankle, knee, etc.) that interrelate with each other are involved; each of them with a very specific and concrete function. One of the main “actors” for walking is the first toe or first ray, since it has multiple implications in several phases of walking.

So that we understand what we are talking about, we quote the phases of the march:

— initial contact phase

— initial support or load response phase

— middle support phase

— final support phase

— previous phase of oscillation.

Big toe or Hallux, is the largest toe on your foot * Todo lo relacionado