Pinpoint
Muscles/Lower Leg

Lower Leg

extensor hallucis longus

ek-STEN-sor HAL-yoo-sis LON-gus

The extensor hallucis longus runs down the front of the lower leg and extends the big toe while also assisting in dorsiflexion of the ankle. It's crucial for clearing the foot during the swing phase of gait in runners and athletes. Strong EHL prevents foot drop and enhances explosive movements like jumping.

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Common Pain & Injury

Pain often presents as shin pain or big toe weakness, worsened by uphill walking or kicking. Strain or tendinopathy from overuse is common in runners. Seek medical advice if there's swelling, bruising, or inability to lift the big toe.

Anatomy & Function

Origin

Middle half of the fibula (lateral lower leg bone) and interosseous membrane.

Insertion

Dorsal aspect of the base of the distal phalanx of the hallux (big toe tip).

Actions

  • Extension of the interphalangeal joint of the hallux (big toe straightening)
  • Dorsiflexion of the ankle (foot lift)
  • Inversion of the foot (foot turning inward)

Innervation

Deep peroneal nerve (L5-S1).

Muscle Relationships

Antagonists

Flexor hallucis longus

Synergists

Tibialis anteriorExtensor digitorum longus

Trigger Points

Trigger points in the mid-lower leg refer pain to the anterior shin, big toe, and ankle.

Stretches

1Kneeling big toe stretch
2Ankle dorsiflexion lunge

Common Conditions

Extensor hallucis longus tendinopathyAnterior compartment syndrome

Anatomical Parts

Right extensor hallucis longusLeft extensor hallucis longus

FAQ

Extensor hallucis longus pain?

Causes include running overuse or tight calves, leading to shin splints or big toe pain.

What is extensor hallucis longus?

A leg muscle that lifts and extends the big toe, vital for gait and athletic performance.

Extensor hallucis longus stretch?

Kneel with toes tucked under and sit back, or lunge forward to dorsiflex the ankle.

Extensor hallucis longus tear symptoms?

Weak big toe extension, shin pain, swelling; rest and ice initially.

Exercises for extensor hallucis longus

20
Ankle Circles position 1
Ankle Circles position 2

Ankle Circles

beginner
Anterior Tibialis-SMR position 1
Anterior Tibialis-SMR position 2

Anterior Tibialis-SMR

intermediate·other
Balance Board position 1
Balance Board position 2

Balance Board

beginner·other
Barbell Seated Calf Raise position 1
Barbell Seated Calf Raise position 2

Barbell Seated Calf Raise

beginner·barbell
Calf Press position 1
Calf Press position 2

Calf Press

beginner·machine
Calf Press On The Leg Press Machine position 1
Calf Press On The Leg Press Machine position 2

Calf Press On The Leg Press Machine

beginner·machine
Calf Raise On A Dumbbell position 1
Calf Raise On A Dumbbell position 2

Calf Raise On A Dumbbell

intermediate·dumbbell
Calf Raises - With Bands position 1
Calf Raises - With Bands position 2

Calf Raises - With Bands

beginner·bands
Calf Stretch Elbows Against Wall position 1
Calf Stretch Elbows Against Wall position 2

Calf Stretch Elbows Against Wall

beginner
Calf Stretch Hands Against Wall position 1
Calf Stretch Hands Against Wall position 2

Calf Stretch Hands Against Wall

beginner
Calves-SMR position 1
Calves-SMR position 2

Calves-SMR

intermediate·foam roll
Donkey Calf Raises position 1
Donkey Calf Raises position 2

Donkey Calf Raises

intermediate·other
Dumbbell Seated One-Leg Calf Raise position 1
Dumbbell Seated One-Leg Calf Raise position 2

Dumbbell Seated One-Leg Calf Raise

beginner·dumbbell
Foot-SMR position 1
Foot-SMR position 2

Foot-SMR

intermediate·other
Knee Circles position 1
Knee Circles position 2

Knee Circles

beginner·Bodyweight
Peroneals-SMR position 1
Peroneals-SMR position 2

Peroneals-SMR

intermediate·foam roll
Peroneals Stretch position 1
Peroneals Stretch position 2

Peroneals Stretch

intermediate·other
Posterior Tibialis Stretch position 1
Posterior Tibialis Stretch position 2

Posterior Tibialis Stretch

intermediate·other
Rocking Standing Calf Raise position 1
Rocking Standing Calf Raise position 2

Rocking Standing Calf Raise

beginner·barbell
Seated Calf Raise position 1
Seated Calf Raise position 2

Seated Calf Raise

beginner·machine

Also Works extensor hallucis longus

10
90/90 Hamstring position 1
90/90 Hamstring position 2

90/90 Hamstring

beginner·Bodyweight
Alternate Leg Diagonal Bound position 1
Alternate Leg Diagonal Bound position 2

Alternate Leg Diagonal Bound

beginner
Alternating Hang Clean position 1
Alternating Hang Clean position 2

Alternating Hang Clean

intermediate·kettlebells
Atlas Stones position 1
Atlas Stones position 2

Atlas Stones

expert·other
Backward Drag position 1
Backward Drag position 2

Backward Drag

beginner·other
Ball Leg Curl position 1
Ball Leg Curl position 2

Ball Leg Curl

beginner·exercise ball
Barbell Deadlift position 1
Barbell Deadlift position 2

Barbell Deadlift

intermediate·barbell
Barbell Full Squat position 1
Barbell Full Squat position 2

Barbell Full Squat

intermediate·barbell
Barbell Glute Bridge position 1
Barbell Glute Bridge position 2

Barbell Glute Bridge

intermediate·barbell
Barbell Hack Squat position 1
Barbell Hack Squat position 2

Barbell Hack Squat

intermediate·barbell

Related Lower Leg Muscles

extensor digitorum longus
The extensor digitorum longus runs lateral shin from knee to foot, extending toes 2-5 and dorsiflexing ankle. Builds shin definition for runners.
fibularis brevis
The fibularis brevis, aka peroneus brevis, lies low on the outer lower leg and everts the foot while plantarflexing it. It's essential for lateral stability in running, surfing, or agility drills. Fitness athletes strengthen it to prevent ankle rolls.
fibularis longus
The fibularis longus runs along the outer lower leg, crossing under the foot to evert and stabilize the arch. It powers push-off in sprinting and side-to-side movements. Crucial for runners to avoid ankle sprains and maintain foot alignment.
fibularis tertius
The fibularis tertius is a small muscle on the front-outer lower leg that assists in dorsiflexion and eversion. It's active in quick foot lifts during running or hiking. Often absent, but when present, aids ankle agility in sports.
flexor digitorum longus
The flexor digitorum longus is a powerful muscle in the deep posterior compartment of the lower leg, running from the tibia down to the toes. It flexes the four smaller toes and assists in plantarflexion at the ankle, helping with push-off during walking, running, and jumping. Strong flexors like this are crucial for balance, propulsion, and preventing foot drop in athletes.
flexor hallucis longus
Running deep in the calf's posterior compartment, the flexor hallucis longus flexes the big toe and plantarflexes the ankle. It's essential for powerful push-off in sprinting, ballet, and hill running. Athletes rely on it for toe grip on uneven terrain.
gastrocnemius
The gastrocnemius forms the visible calf bulge, crossing knee and ankle for explosive plantarflexion. Key for sprinting, jumping, and calf raises. Two heads make it powerful for athletic propulsion.
plantaris
The plantaris is a thin, vestigial calf muscle aiding knee flexion and plantarflexion, like a minor gas pedal muscle. Often ruptured without issue due to redundancy. Useful for explosive calf power in jumping.

Lower Leg Pain Guide

Common causes and relief

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Activities & Sports

See which activities use extensor hallucis longus

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Pinpoint·Interactive 3D Anatomy & Exercise Guide