Muscles
Extensor hallucis longus
Extends the big toe; dorsiflexes the ankle.
Overview
Extends the big toe; 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
Anterior lower leg, central column.
Referred pain pattern
Top of the big toe and the dorsal 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, tight shoes, neural mobility issues.
Self-care & clinical treatment
Toe mobility, shoe assessment. Clinically: needling.
Symptoms commonly linked
References
- • Travell & Simons — Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction