Extensor Digitorum Longus

Pointer Plus The Pointer Plus is an easy to use trigger point (TP) locator which incorporates a push button stimulation feature to immediately treat Trigger point pain.

The Extensor Digitorum Longus is an anterior muscle of the leg.

Anatomical Attachments:

• Origin: Attaches to the lateral condyle of the tibia from the proximal 3/4 of the anterior shaft of the fibula, the interosseous membrane, and from the intermuscular septa.
• Insertion: Attaches to the dorsal surface of the 2nd and 3rd phalanges of the lateral 4 toes.

Action: Extends the proximal phalanges of the lateral 4 toes and assists in the dorsiflexion of the foot.

Synergist: Extensor hallucis longus, Tibialis anterior, Peroneus tertius.

Antagonist: Gastrocnemius, Flexor digitorum longus, Flexor hallucis longus, Peroneus longus and brevis, Tibialis posterior, Soleus, Plantaris.

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Nerve Supply: Deep Peroneal Nerve (L4, L5, S1).

Nerve Entrapment: Entraps the deep peroneal nerve.

Vascular supply: Anterior tibial artery.

• Primary: The pain refers to the dorsum of the foot and extends to the tips of the middle three toes.
• Satellite or associated triggers: Peroneus longus, peroneus brevis, extensor hallucis longus, peroneus tertius, tibialis anterior.

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Trigger Point Signs and Symptoms: Pain over the top of the foot extending to the metatarsophalangeal joints, foot drop or pain during walking, leg cramps during the night.

Trigger Point Activating and Perpetuating Factors: Direct trauma, persistent dorsiflexion (as in operating vehicles or equipment with their feet), persistent running or walking on unleveled surfaces.

Differential Diagnosis: (Segmental, Subluxation, Somatic dysfunction) L4 or L5 Radiculopathy or S1 neuropathy, Diabetic neuropathy, Charcot’s arthropathy, Muscular Dystrophy, Tendinitis, Rupture of tendon, Hammer toes or claw toes, Bone cancer, Paronychia (Ingrown toenail), Gout, Osteoarthritis, Bursitis, Rheumatoid arthritis, Cerebral dysfunction, Systemic infections or inflammation, Nutritional inadequacy, Metabolic imbalance, Toxicity, Side effects of medication.

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