5. Extensor Digitorum Longus

Origin: Lateral tibial condyle and superior 3/4 of the anterior surface of the tibia and interosseous membrane

Insertion: Middle and distal phalanges of digit 2-5

Action:

  • Toe extension
  • Ankle dorsiflexion

Innervation: Deep peroneal nerve (L5/S1)

Anterior leg muscles (extensor hallucis longus).
Figure 3.13 Anterior leg muscles (extensor hallucis longus), by Dr. Johannes Sobotta (Public domain).

Needling

Position: Supine

Palpation: Palpate the anterior aspect of the shin and resist toe extension to help isolate this muscle

Technique: Needle perpendicular to this muscle

Caution: Low – The deep peroneal nerve lies just medial to this muscle

Needling extensor digitorum longus.
Figure 3.14 Needling extensor digitorum longus, original image by Nadine Crocker, CC BY-NC 4.0.

Video 3.5 Needling of extensor digitorum longus, 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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