2. Flexor Hallucis Longus

Origin: Inferior 2/3 of the posterior surface of the fibula and interosseous membrane

Insertion: Base of distal phalanx of digit 1

Action:

  • Flexes digit 1 – very important in push-off
  • Helps support the medial arch

Innervation: Tibial nerve (S2/S3)

Flexor hallucis longus.
Figure 6.5 Flexor hallucis longus, adapted by Berichard from the original image by Henry Gray and Henry Vandyke Carter, CC BY-SA 3.0.

Needling

Position: Prone

Palpation: Palpate the lateral aspect of the calf

Technique: Needle perpendicular towards the posterior aspect of the fibula

Caution: Low – posterior tibial artery and vein run just medial to this muscle

Needling flexor hallucis longus through lateral aspect of gastrocnemius/soleus.
Figure 6.6 Needling flexor hallucis longus through lateral aspect of gastrocnemius/soleus, original image by Nadine Crocker, CC BY-NC 4.0.

Video 6.2 Needling flexor hallucis 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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