Muscles
Flexor hallucis longus
Flexes the big toe; supports push-off.
Overview
Flexes the big toe; supports push-off. 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 the big toe and ball 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, ballet, repetitive push-off.
Self-care & clinical treatment
Big-toe mobility, intrinsic work. Clinically: needling.
Symptoms commonly linked
References
- • Travell & Simons — Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction