2. Extensor Digitorum Brevis

Origin: Superior lateral aspect of the calcaneus, the floor of the tarsal sinus, the talocalcaneal ligament and the inferior extensor retinaculum

Insertion: Base of digit 1, middle phalanx of digit 2-4 via the tendons of extensor digitorum longus

Action: Assists in extension of digit 1-5

Innervation: Deep fibular nerve (S1/2)

Extensor digitorum brevis.
Figure 3.4 Extensor digitorum brevis, by Henry Gray and Henry Vandyke Carter (Public domain).

Needling

Position: Prone

Palpation: Palpate the lateral aspect of the dorsum of the foot – Resist toe extension to help isolate this muscle

Technique: Needle directly perpendicular to this muscle on the dorsum of the foot

Caution: Low

Needling extensor digitorum brevis on lateral aspect of the foot.
Figure 3.5 Needling extensor digitorum brevis on lateral aspect of the foot, original image by Nadine Crocker, CC BY-NC 4.0.

Video 3.2 Needling of extensor digitorum brevis, original video by Nadine Crocker, CC BY-NC 4.0.

License

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Sinew Channel Needling Copyright © 2026 by Nadine Crocker is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License, except where otherwise noted.

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