Extensor Digitorum Longus (EHL)

Authors
Affiliations

Nate Yomogida, B.S., SPT

Doctor of Physical Therapy

B.S. in Kinesiology

Chloë Kerstein, B.S., SPT

Doctor of Physical Therapy

B.A. in Neuroscience

Muscles of the anterior leg1

Muscles of the anterior leg
Figure 1: Intrinsic foot muscles
Reading list
  • Ch68 Long toe extensor muscles
  • Neuman
  • MMT

Origin

  • Tibia (lateral condyle)
  • Fibula (head and medial surface)
  • IO membrane

Insertion

  • 2nd to 5th toes (at the dorsal aponeuroses at the bases of the distal phalanges)

Nerve

Deep Fibular N. (L4, L5)

Action

  • TCJ: DF
  • STJ: Eversion
  • MTP & IP 2-5 Toe: Extension
Note

The EDL is the only muscle that can produce 5th toe extension.

MMT

“The EDL and the EDB muscles produce the motion of extension at the MTP and IP joints of the lateral four digits from a flexed position.”

  • Apply resistance dorsal surface of the proximal and distal phalanges into toe flexion

References

1.
Gray H. Anatomy of the Human Body. 20th ed. (Lewis WH, ed.). Lea & Febiger; 1918. https://www.bartleby.com/107/
2.
Betts JG, Blaker W. Anatomy and Physiology. 2nd ed. OpenStax; 2022. https://openstax.org/details/books/anatomy-and-physiology-2e/?Book%20details
3.
Donnelly JM, Simons DG, eds. Travell, Simons & Simons’ Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction: The Trigger Point Manual. Third edition. Wolters Kluwer Health; 2019.
4.
Neumann DA, Kelly ER, Kiefer CL, Martens K, Grosz CM. Kinesiology of the Musculoskeletal System: Foundations for Rehabilitation. 3rd ed. Elsevier; 2017.
5.
Weinstock D. NeuroKinetic Therapy: An Innovative Approach to Manual Muscle Testing. North Atlantic Books; 2010.
6.
Gilroy AM, MacPherson BR, Wikenheiser JC, Voll MM, Wesker K, Schünke M, eds. Atlas of Anatomy. 4th ed. Thieme; 2020.
7.
Jones B. B Project Foundations. b Project; 2025.
8.
Dutton M. Dutton’s Orthopaedic Examination, Evaluation, and Intervention. 5th ed. McGraw Hill Education; 2020.

Citation

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