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Flexor Digitorum Longus

Region

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

Videos

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