Muscles of the Leg and Foot Flashcards
Tibialis Anterior Origin
Upper half of lateral and anterior surface of tibia (including lateral condyle of tibia).
Tibialis Anterior Insertion
Medial edge of front of foot (medial cuneiform bone and base of first metatarsal).
Tibialis Anterior Action
Dorsiflexes (lifts up) the foot. Inverts the foot.
Tibialis Anterior Nerve
Deep perineal nerve, L 4, 5, S1.
Tibialis Anterior Basic Functional Movement
Ex: Walking and running (helps prevent the foot from slapping onto the ground after the heel strikes. Lifts the foot clear of the ground as the leg swings forward).
Tibialis Anterior Sports that heavily utilize this muscle
Ex: Hill walking. Mountaineering. Running. Breast stroke swimming. Cycling (the pedal up phase).
Tibialis Anterior Movements or injuries that may damage this muscle
Excessive jumping onto hard surfaces.
Tibialis Anterior Strengthening Exercises
- Toe raise
2. Quads knee extension
Tibialis Anterior Self Stretches
- Kneel with toes pointed
Fibularis (peroneus) Longus and Brevis Origin
Longus: Upper two-thirds of lateral surface of fibula
Brevis: Lower two-thirds of lateral surface of fibula
Fibularis (peroneus) Longus and Brevis Insertion
Longus: Base of first metatarsal.
Brevis: Base of fifth metatarsal.
Fibularis (peroneus) Longus and Brevis Action
Everts the foot. Assist plantar flexion of ankle joint (i.e. points the foot)
Fibularis (peroneus) Longus and Brevis Nerve
Superficial fibular (peroneal) nerve, L4, 5, S1.
Fibularis (peroneus) Longus and Brevis Basic Functional Movement
Ex: Walking on uneven surfaces.
Fibularis (peroneus) Longus and Brevis Sports that heavily utilize these muscles
Ex: Running. Soccer. Jumping.
Fibularis (peroneus) Longus and Brevis Movements or injuries that may damage these muscles
Forced inversion of the ankle (ie over stretching the lateral aspect of the ankle) may create chronic problems with ankle joint stability.
Fibularis (peroneus) Longus and Brevis Strengthening exercises
- Standing calf raise
2. Seated calf raise
Fibularis (peroneus) Longus and Brevis Self Stretch
- Sit; extend legs; pull toes toward shin
2. Stand on step and lower heel.
Gastrocnemius Origin
Medial head: Lower posterior surface of femur above medial condyle.
Lateral head: Lateral condyle and lower posterior surface of femur.
Gastrocnemius Insertion
Posterior surface of calcaneus (heel bone) via the calcaneal tendon (Achilles tendon); which is a fusion of the tendons of gastrocnemius and soleus.
Gastrocnemius Action
Plantar flexes (points) foot at ankle joint. Assists in flexion of knee joint. It is a main propelling force in walking and running.
Gastrocnemius Nerve
Tibial nerve, S1, 2.
Gastrocnemius Basic Functional Movement
Standing on ‘tip-toes’.
Gastrocnemius Sports that heavily utilize this muscle
Ex: Most sports requiring running and jumping, esp. sprinting, high jump, long jump, volleyball, basketball. Ballet. Push off in the swim start. Trampoline.
Gastrocnemius Movements or injuries that may damage this muscle
Explosive jumping, or landing badly when jumping down, may rupture the tendocalcaneous (Achilles tendon) at its junction with the muscle belly.
Gastrocnemius Common problems when muscle is chronically tight / shortened
Constant wearing of high-heeled shoes tends to cause this muscle to shorten, which can effect postural integrity.
Gastrocnemius Strengthening Exercises
- Standing calf raises
2. Leg curl
Gastrocnemius Self Stretches
Runner’s calf stretch
Soleus Origin
Upper posterior surfaces of tibia and fibula.
Soleus Insertion
With gastrocnemius via calcaneal tendon into posterior surface of calcaneus (heel bone).
Soleus Action
Plantar flexes ankle joint. The soleus is frequently in contraction during standing to prevent the body falling forwards at ankle joint; i.e. to offset the line of pull through the body’s center of gravity. Thus, it helps to maintain the upright posture.
Soleus Nerve
Tibial nerve, L5, S1, 2.
Soleus Basic Functional Movement
Standing on ‘tip-toes’