Download feet and ankle muscles

Corrective Exercise Solutions: Foot and Ankle Pain
FEET AND ANKLE MUSCLES
FLEXOR HALLUCIS LONGUS
Flexor Hallucis
Longus
The Flexor Hallucis Longus is
located on the back of lower leg and
under the foot.
MUSCLE SPECIFICS
The flexor hallucis longus originates on the outside of the fibula. It travels down the lower leg
and wraps around just below the inside of the ankle bone. It continues along the bottom of the
foot and inserts near the base of the big toe on the plantar surface.
MUSCLE ACTION(S)
The flexor hallucis longus is responsible for pushing the big toe down (i.e., flexing the big toe),
flexing the foot at the ankle (i.e., plantar flexion) and inverting the ankle (i.e., rolling the ankle to
the outside).
REAL LIFE MOVEMENTS
In real life movements like walking the flexor hallucis longus lengthens under load like a
bungee cord to help hold up the medial longitudinal arch. It also helps slow down pronation of
the foot and ankle dorsiflexion. This helps store energy in the muscle to enable the ankle and
foot to plantar flex and the foot to supinate when the muscle contracts.
REAL LIFE MOVEMENT EXAMPLE
The flexor hallucis longus is involved in helping to dissipate shock and transfer force through
the foot in all weight bearing activities such as walking, squatting, lunging, jogging and running.
HELPFUL TIPS
The flexor hallucis longus acts like a break to prevent the foot and ankle from overpronating.
Also, if this muscle cannot lengthen effectively it limits dorsiflexion.
©2016 The BioMechanics Method. All rights reserved.