5. Flexor Digitorum Longus

Origin: Medial aspect of the posterior surface of the tibia inferior to the soleal line

Insertion: Plantar aspect of the bases of digit 2-5 distal phalanges

Action:

  • Flexes digit 2-4
  • Assists in plantar flexion of the ankle

Innervation: Tibial nerve (S2/3)

Flexor digitorum longus.
Figure 5.11 Flexor digitorum longus, adapted by Uwe Gille from the original image by Henry Gray and Henry Vandyke Carter (Public domain).
Neurovascular bundle of the calf
Figure 5.12 Neurovascular bundle of the calf (tibial nerve, posterior tibial artery and nerve), by Henry Gray and Henry Vandyke Carter (Public domain).

Needling

Position: Prone

Palpation: Palpate the posterior calf and resist toe flexion to help isolate this muscle – This muscle is located more towards the medial side of the calf

Technique: Needle perpendicularly towards this muscle avoiding the midline (Posterior tibial artery and tibial nerve)

Caution: Low – moderate: The posterior tibial artery and tibial nerve lie in the midline of the calf

Needling flexor digitorum longus through the medial aspect of gastrocnemius.
Figure 5.13 Needling flexor digitorum longus through the medial aspect of gastrocnemius, original image by Nadine Crocker, CC BY-NC 4.0.

Video 5.6 Needling flexor 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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