Muscles
Extensor digitorum longus
Extends toes 2–5; dorsiflexes the ankle.
Overview
Extends toes 2–5; dorsiflexes the ankle. Trigger points here are common in everyday and athletic populations and frequently contribute to the referred pain patterns described below.
Trigger point locations
Lateral anterior lower leg.
Referred pain pattern
Dorsum of the foot.
Palpation & testing
Palpate the muscle belly along its accessible course. Reproduction of the patient's familiar pain on palpation supports involvement.
Common causes
Running mileage spikes, tight shoes.
Self-care & clinical treatment
Toe mobility, shoe assessment. Clinically: needling.
Symptoms commonly linked
References
- • Travell & Simons — Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction