4. Extensor Hallucis Longus

Origin: Middle part of the anterior fibula and interosseous membrane

Insertion: Dorsal aspect of base of the of digit 1 phalanx

Action:

  • Extension of digit 1
  • Assists with dorsiflexion of the ankle

Innervation: Deep fibular nerve (L5/S1)

Anterior leg muscles (extensor hallucis longus).
Figure 3.9 Anterior leg muscles (extensor hallucis longus), by Dr. Johannes Sobotta (Public domain).
Anterior leg muscles (extensor hallucis longus).
Figure 3.10 Extensor hallucis longus, by Dr. Johannes Sobotta (Public domain).
Neurovascular bundle (tibialis anterior artery and vein, deep peroneal nerve).
Figure 3.11 Neurovascular bundle (tibialis anterior artery and vein, deep peroneal nerve), by Henry Gray and Henry Vandyke Carter (Public domain).

Needling

Position: Supine

Palpation: Palpate the anterior shin and resist extension of digit 1 to help isolate this muscle

Technique: Needle perpendicular to this muscle

Caution: Low – deep peroneal nerve is located just deep to this muscle

Needling extensor hallucis longus.
Figure 3.12 Needling extensor hallucis longus, original image by Nadine Crocker, CC BY-NC 4.0.

Video 3.4 Needling of extensor hallucis longus, original video by Nadine Crocker, CC BY-NC 4.0.

License

Icon for the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License

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

Share This Book