Q&A

Does flexor hallucis longus plantar flex?

Does flexor hallucis longus plantar flex?

Function. Similar to the flexor digitorum longus and tibialis posterior muscles, the flexor hallucis longus muscle functions to plantar flex and invert the foot. However, it is unique in that it also functions to flex the great toe and helps supinate the ankle.

How do you fix flexor hallucis longus pain?

Along with exercise, activity modification can be of great importance to those suffering from flexor hallucis longus pain. By guiding patients into new habits, physical therapists can help patients reduce the load which falls on the injured muscle tissue and understand the limitations of which their injury causes.

Why does my flexor hallucis longus hurt?

A common cause of flexor hallucis longus tendonitis is repeated pushing off from the big toe, a movement common among ballet dancers and other athletes. Over time, this motion can irritate the tendon, causing it to become inflamed.

How do I strengthen my FHL tendon?

FHL strengthening

  1. Resisted big toe plantar-flexion: Using resistance bands or tubing, wrap around the big toe.
  2. Towel scrunch with heel lift: Place towel onto a smooth surface, such as tile or wooden floors; place foot onto towel.
  3. Marble/ ball pickups:

What action does the flexor hallucis longus do?

Functions. The primary action of the flexor hallucis longus is flexion of all the joints of the great toe (hallux). When the foot is off the ground, this muscle, together with flexor digitorum longus, flexes the toes at the distal phalanges.

How do you heal the flexor digitorum longus?

A soft tissue occupational therapist may employ or recommend a number of treatment techniques to help relieve your flexor digitorum longus muscle pain, these may include:

  1. Trigger Point Release.
  2. Dry Needling.
  3. Myofascial Release.
  4. Heat.
  5. Stretching and Strengthening.
  6. Towel Curls.
  7. Marble Pickup.
  8. ABCs.

How do you treat flexor tendonitis in the foot?

Flexor Tendinitis Causes – Bending the big toe too much. Ballet dancers are most likely to develop flexor tendinitis, while athletes with flawed technique or the wrong shoes are also at risk. Treatment – Rest, ice, pain medications, physical therapy, stretching, and gently massaging the painful toe are all recommended.

What is FHL tenosynovitis?

FHL Tenosynovitis is a condition where inflammation or swelling occurs to the sheath through which the FHL tendon passes. Often the terms FHL tendinopathy and tenosynovitis are used interchangeably. The two conditions often occur together.

How is flexor hallucis longus related to plantar fasciitis?

Flexor Hallucis Longus Tendinopathy. FHL tendinopathy has been found in conjunction with plantar fasciitis. (Michelson and Dunn 2005) Upon questioning, the patient will often reveal that they have been performing vigorous dorsiflexion exercises of the toes and hallux in attempting to “stretch” the plantar fascia.

How to treat flexor hallucis longus tendon pain?

Additional symptoms include stiffness and pain in the morning. The R.I.C.E. protocol (rest, ice, compression and elevation) is the best way to treat Hallucis Longus Tendonitis. As we previously mentioned, Flexor Hallucis Longus Tendon Pain can indicate that you are on the road to, or already have Flexor Hallucis Longus Tendonitis.

How is the flexor hallucis longus graft used?

Flexor Hallucis Longus Tendon Transfer is a procedure that is used to treat an Achilles Tendon rupture, or those with chronic Achilles Tendinopathy. A graft of the Flexor Hallucis Longus is harvested and then transferred to the Achilles to assist in its repair.

How is the flexor hallucis longus used in sports?

Its physiological and mechanical properties allow it to act as a powerful convertor of force from the rear foot all the way through to the big toe (1-4) . Due to its anatomical arrangement and unique actions, this muscle-tendon unit that can become injured in athletic populations.