Foot Control and Pointe Work

Perfect Form Physiotherapy

Anatomy - Intrinsic Foot Muscles

The Intrinsic Foot Muscles are all of the muscles that start and end within the foot. They are designed to stabilize the foot over uneven surfaces and help us balance. The layout of the muscles and bones in our feet is very similar to the structure of our hands. While all of the intrinsic foot muscles are important to the dancer, several are essential to master. Common issues resulting from poor intrinsic foot control include the formation of bunions, blisters, deformed toes and overuse of the extrinsic foot muscles

The Plantar Interossei and Lumbricals sit in between each of the toes in the ball of the foot. Together with Flexor Digitorum Brevis they are essential in learning how to point the toes from the MTP joints, avoiding overloading of the FDL. Keeping the toes long is the best way to avoid blisters on the knuckles when en pointe as this occurs when the flexed toes rub on the canvas of the inside of the shoe. While there are Four Dorsal Interossei on the top of the foot, there are only three Plantar Interossei which means that often the second toe is harder to control than the others when pointing the toes.

Abducens Hallucis sits on the outside of the big toe and is very important in controlling the alignment of the big toe and reducing the development of bunions in susceptible individuals.

All of the Intrinsic Foot Muscles help support the Plantar Fascia in its role of propelling the foot off the floor in gait and in petit allegro. Weakness in this muscle can result in overload of the plantar fascia and heel spur development.