Corpus: Big toe

The term big toe refers to the 1st toe located on the medial side of the foot, which, unlike the other toes, consists of only two phalanges.

The big toe is the strongest toe. Its free mobility is essential for the rolling movement of the foot. The proximal phalanx of the big toe articulates with the first metatarsal bone in the metatarsophalangeal joint. An interphalangeal joint is located between the proximal and distal phalanx. The joints are stabilized by ligaments.

The two heads of the adductor hallucis muscle attach laterally to the base of the proximal phalanx and medially to the abductor hallucis muscle. The flexor hallucis longus and hallucis brevis muscles are responsible for flexing the big toe. The extensor hallucis longus and extensor hallucis brevis muscles are responsible for extension.

Ingrown toenail is a common medical problem of the big toe. Foot deformities result in malpositions of the big toe (hallux valgus, hallux varus). The stiffening of the big toe in the metatarsophalangeal joint is called hallux rigidus.