Flexor Digitorum Longus
Region
📷 Superior view of flexor hallucis longus muscle – animation by Database Center for Life Science (DBCLS), via Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA 2.1 JP
Origin & Insertion
['Origin: Posterior surface of tibia', 'Insertion: Bases of distal phalanges of toes 2–5']
Synergistic Muscles
['Tibialis posterior', 'Flexor hallucis longus']
Joints
['Ankle', 'MTP, PIP, DIP of toes 2–5']
Primary Actions
['Flexes toes 2–5', 'Plantarflexes ankle', 'Supports arch']
Nerve & Spinal Segment
Tibial nerve
Sacral plexus; S2–S3
Interesting
Crosses under FHL in foot. [Netter’s]
Reversal of Action
Anchor toes to pull tibia forward
Common Dysfunctions
Toe clawing, medial arch instability
How to Stretch
Toe extension and ankle dorsiflexion.
Trigger Points
How to Strengthen
Marble pick-up or toe curls.
Concentric Action
Flex lateral toes, assist PF
Applications:
Prevents toe hyperextension and clawing in gait
Eccentric Action
Control toe extension
Isotonic Action
Towel curls, marble pick-up
Related Conditions
['Plantar fasciitis', 'Posterior tibial strain']
Isometric Action
Hold toe flexed against resistance
Exercise Ideas
['Towel pull', 'Toe taps', 'Theraband toe flexion']
Related Blogs
Images
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