Ankle and foot muscles

Question 1

Concentric actions of the tibialis anterior

Answer 1

Foot dorsiflexion
Foot inversion

Question 2

Extensor digitorum longus concentric actions

Answer 2

Foot dorsiflexion
Foot eversion
Toe 2nd-5th digit MTP, PIP and DIP extension

Question 3

Extensor hallucis longus

Answer 3

Foot dorsiflexion
Foot inversion
Toe 1st digit MTP and IP extension

Question 4

Concentric actions of fibularis longus

Answer 4

Foot plantarflexion
Foot eversion

Question 5

Concentric actions of the fibularis brevis

Answer 5

Foot plantarflexion
Foot eversion

Question 6

What is a fibularis strain

Answer 6

The fibularis longus and brevis are commonly strained during an inversion (lateral)
ankle sprain.
* During an inversion ankle sprain, the muscles act eccentrically to prevent excessive
ankle inversion. If the inversion torque acting on the ankle/foot is excessive, the
muscles may become strained along with the ankle sprain

Question 7

What is an avulsion fracture of the base of the 5th metatarsal

Answer 7

We also already mentioned that during an inversion ankle sprain, the fibularis brevis
pulling on the base of the 5th metatarsal can result in an avulsion fracture of the base of the 5th metatarsal.

Question 8

Concentric actions of the gastrocnemius

Answer 8

Knee flexion
Foot plantarflexion

Question 9

Concentric actions of the soleus

Answer 9

Foot plantarflexion

Question 10

Concentric acions of the tibialis posteior

Answer 10

Foot plantarflexion
Foot inversion

Question 11

Flexor digitorum longus concentric actions

Answer 11

Foot plantarflexion
Foot inversion
Toe 2nd-5th digit MTP, PIP, DIP flexion

Question 12

Flexor Hallucis longus concentric actions

Answer 12

Foot plantarflexion
Foot inversion
Toe 1st MTP and IP flexion

Question 13

Which tendons pass posterior to the medial malleolus

Answer 13

Tibialis posterior
Flexor Digitorum longus
Flexor Hallucis longus
‘Tom, Dick and Harry’