Lumbrical Muscle Stretch (Foot): 3 Best Stretches For Flexibility

Have you ever stopped to think about the muscles in your feet? It’s easy to take them for granted, but they play a crucial role in helping you move around and maintain a good balance.

One group of muscles that deserve some attention are the lumbrical muscles in your feet.

These are four small, worm-like muscles located on the top and bottom of the foot.

They work with other muscles, such as the flexor digitorum longus and brevis, to flex your toes and keep your foot aligned.

But what happens if the lumbrical muscles aren’t working properly? Well, it can lead to a condition called overpronation, which is when your foot rolls inward too much as you move.

This can cause discomfort and even injuries. So, it’s important to keep these muscles healthy and active.

One way to do this is by stretching them regularly. Trust me, your feet (and the rest of your body) will thank you!

Stretches For Lumbricals Pedis (Foot Muscles)

Did you know that you can stretch your lumbrical muscles just like you would stretch your flexor digitorum longus and brevis muscles?

Well, that’s true. Let me show you the most effective stretches you can do at home.

Standing Lumbricals Pedis Stretch

flexor digitorum longus standing stretch

To stretch your lumbrical muscles, stand with your toes on the ground and your heel slightly lifted off the ground. Then, push downward with your toes and lift your heel even higher.

Hold this stretch for 30 seconds. Always be careful when stretching and stop if you feel any pain or discomfort.

Seated Lumbricals Pedis Stretch

flexor digitorum longus and brevis seated passive stretch

To stretch your lumbricals and other foot muscles while seated in a chair, grab your toes with your fingers and gently pull them up into extension.

To increase the stretch and target additional muscles in the same compartment group as the flexor digitorum longus, add ankle dorsiflexion to the stretch.

Hold this stretch for 30 seconds

Straight Leg Stretch for Lumbricals (Feet) Muscles

flexor digitorum longus straight leg stretch

To stretch your lumbricals and other foot muscles while seated on the ground, keep one leg straight and grab your foot with your hand.

Then, pull both your toes and foot towards your body and hold the stretch for 30 seconds.

Author

My name is Trivo. I'm a physiotherapist and I enjoy exercising, learning new stuff in physio and fitness world, and sharing my knowledge and point of view in this field.

Hip Flexors And Lower Back Pain: Everything You Need To Know

Hip flexor muscles can contribute to lower back pain. If the hip flexors happen to be tightened or shortened, the lower back can suffer consequences such as pain or discomfort. The main reason is the influence of the hip flexor on the position of the pelvis, which leads to the anterior pelvic tilt. Such pelvic position is unfavorable for the lower back and is usually the result of muscle dysfunction in the pelvic region.

Tight Glutes Causing Lower Back Pain? How To Release The Glutes

Learning more about glutes and their role in maintaining a healthy lower back, I realized they often provoke low back pain, whether they’re tight or weak. Because of that, I decided to write about glutes and low back pain and what you can do to release the glutes or strengthen them so the low back can function normally.

Why do Back Hurt After Squats?

Squats can cause back pain, both in the upper, middle or lower part. Most common is lower back pain and it is usually a result of improper squatting techniques, such as loss of neutral curve of the spine during the squat movement. Other factors that may provoke back pain during squats are bar position, reduced mobility and/or stability in joints, inadequate breathing technique. 

Do you want better results from your training? Less injuries, effective stretching guides, scientifically proven facts about training and much more?

FREE Access to Articles

Go to Top