MD Podiatrist Explains Why It’s Important to Strengthen Toe Muscles

Sometimes it’s the most mundane, least obvious, and unsexy muscles that do the most important work. These less apparent muscles help us stay upright and balanced. Surprisingly, our toes are crucial to help us function. Weak muscles in the toes could lead to tripping, abnormal gait, unsteadiness, and increased falls, Dan Michaels, DPM states.
 
The hallux is important for pushing off from a walk, run, or jump. The first joint called the metatarsal-phalangeal joint is “extremely important” to help move the big toe down.