When runners talk about performance or injury, the focus usually lands on the knees, hips, or even cadence. But there’s one small joint that quietly makes or breaks your stride: the big toe. Specifically, the first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint, the hinge that allows your big toe to extend during push-off. It might not look like much, but without proper mobility and strength here, your entire chain from foot to hip is forced to compensate. Over miles, that can affect perfor