Dorsiflexion is the movement that occurs at the ankle where the foot is lifted upwards. This is the opposite of plantar flexion, which occurs when pointing the foot downwards.
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Which muscles dorsiflex the ankle?
Tibialis Anterior
The tibialis anterior is the large muscle on the outside of the shin. It is the strongest dorsiflexor of the ankle.
- Origin: Upper 1/2 of lateral and anterior surfaces of the tibia
- Insertion: Inner surface of the medial cuneiform and 1st metatarsal
- Actions: Inversion & Dorsiflexion
- Innervation: Deep peroneal nerve
- Daily uses: Walking – to lift the foot up and clear the ground
- Example strengthening exercises: Toe raises
- Example stretches: Shin stretch
- Related injuries: Anterior compartment syndrome
Extensor hallucis longus
The extensor hallucis longus is the only ankle muscle responsible for extending (pulling back) the big toe. The word ‘hallucis’ means big toe.
- Origin: Middle 2/3 of the inner surface of the front of the fibula
- Insertion: Distal phalanx of the big toe
- Actions: Extension of the big toe. Dorsiflexion Inversion
- Innervation: Peroneal (fibular) nerve
- Daily uses: Walking up the stairs it pulls the big toe up to clear the step
- Example strengthening exercises: Toe raises
- Related injuries: Extensor tendonitis
- Related muscles: Tibialis anterior
Extensor digitorum longus
Extensor digitorum longus (often shortened to EDL) is found in the front of the lower leg, in the outer more muscle-bound compartment.
- Origin: Lateral condyle of the tibia
Head and anterior surface of the fibula
Interosseous membrane (between tibia and fibula) - Insertion: Dorsal (top) surface of the middle and end phalanges of the four outer toes
- Actions: Extends toes. Dorsiflexion. Eversion
- Innervation: Peroneal (Fibular) nerve
- Daily uses: Walking upstairs and making sure the toes clear the steps
- Example strengthening exercises: Toe raises
- Example stretches: Shin stretch
- Related injuries: Extensor tendonitis