Muscles of the Leg and Foot

Question 1

Gastrocnemius

Answer 1

extend knee and plantar flex the ankle. gastroc is superficial

Question 2

Soleus

Answer 2

bend the patient’s knee and have them “step on the gas” while you are resisting the plantar flexion. just find the soleus distally to the heads of the gastroc

Question 3

Achilles Tendon

Answer 3

on the back of the heel

Question 4

Fibularis (Peroneus) Longus & Brevis

Answer 4

Have the person evert their ankle and plantarflex. Both can be felt. The Longus is more proximal and the brevis starts about halfway down the fibula.

Question 5

Tibialis Anterior

Answer 5

have the person dorsiflex their ankle and invert their foot. The tib anterior is lateral to the shaft of the tibia.

Question 6

Extensor Digitorum Longus

Answer 6

squeezed between the tibialis anterior and the peroneals. Extends the toes.

Question 7

Extensor Hallicus Longus

Answer 7

The muscle belly is deep so you need to find the tendon. Have patient extend their big toe.

Question 8

Tibialis Posterior

Answer 8

Tom Dick AN Harry.

Have patient invert and plantar flex. The tendon runs posteriorly to the medial malleolus.

Question 9

Flexor Digitorum Longus

Answer 9

Tom Dick AN Harry.

just lateral to the tib posterior tendon. Dont think you can specifically find it.

Question 10

Flexor Hallucis Longus

Answer 10

Tom Dick AN Harry.

2nd tendon laterally to tib post. Dont think you can specifically find it.