The fibularis brevis muscle is located in the lateral compartment of the leg and lies deep to the fibularis longus. This muscle has a number of attachments, actions, innervations and blood supply that will be discussed in this article.
The fibularis brevis originates from the inferolateral surface of the fibular shaft. It forms a tendon which descends with the fibularis longus into the foot. In addition, the tendon travels posteriorly to the lateral malleolus, passing over the calcaneus and the cuboidal bones. Finally, the tendon attaches to a tubercle on the 5th metatarsal (seen in Fig. 1).
The primary action of the fibularis brevis is to cause eversion of the foot.
The superficial fibular (peroneal) nerve innervates the fibularis brevis muscle.
The fibular artery supplies the fibularis brevis with blood.
Overall, the fibularis brevis serves an essential role in the ankle's eversion movement. This muscle's dynamic nature allows for an efficient muscle contraction which in turn leads to the appropriate movement of the foot and ankle. Other muscles of the lower leg are responsible for controlling the rest of the movement in the ankle joint, including plantar flexion, dorsiflexion, inversion, and adduction. The fibularis brevis and the other muscles in the lower leg play an important role in the structure and movement of the ankle joint.
The fibularis brevis is often the primary muscle affected by exercise-induced foot and ankle pain. The pain associated with this muscle can occur either during or after running or other exercise activities. The pain is usually localized to the lateral aspect of the ankle, and can range from mild to severe. This pain can be attributed to the muscle being overused or overworked, leading to inflammation and tightness. A good way to prevent this type of pain is to incorporate proper warmup and cool down techniques into any exercise regimen.
In addition to exercise-induced pain, the fibularis brevis can also be damaged due to trauma or an acute injury to the ankle. This type of injury can lead to severe pain, swelling, and decreased range of motion in the ankle. Treatment for this type of injury typically includes rest, ice, compression, elevation, and physical therapy to help improve flexibility and strength. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to repair the damaged muscle.
In conclusion, the fibularis brevis is an important muscle in the ankle joint, responsible for causing eversion of the foot. It can be affected by overuse or trauma, leading to pain and decreased range of motion. Proper warmup and cool down techniques along with proper treatment can help to prevent or reduce any painful symptoms related to this muscle.
Fig 1 - Fibularis brevis muscle of the lateral leg.
