Muscles
Flexor digitorum longus
Flexes toes 2–5; assists plantarflexion and inversion.
Overview
Flexes toes 2–5; assists plantarflexion and inversion. Trigger points here are common in everyday and athletic populations and frequently contribute to the referred pain patterns described below.
Trigger point locations
Deep posterior lower leg.
Referred pain pattern
Plantar surface of toes and medial arch.
Palpation & testing
Palpate the muscle belly along its accessible course. Reproduction of the patient's familiar pain on palpation supports involvement.
Common causes
Running barefoot, intrinsic weakness, overpronation.
Self-care & clinical treatment
Foot intrinsic work, toe mobility. Clinically: needling.
Symptoms commonly linked
References
- • Travell & Simons — Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction