Trigger Point Therapy | Tibialis Anterior | Anatomy
The tibialis anterior trigger point typically causes pain in the front of the shin, ankle and on the big toe
The pain in the big toe can often be mistaken for gout, and the metabolic condition that causes gout may also irritate the trigger points in the lower leg muscles.
In most cases however, these trigger points are related to sports/overuse issues, and are often present in long distance drivers.
[Latin tibia, pipe or ute/shinbone; anterior, before]
ORIGIN
Lateral condyle of tibia. Upper half of lateral surface of tibia. Interosseous membrane.
INSERTION
Medial and plantar surface of medial cuneiform bone. Base of 1st metatarsal.
ACTION
Dorsi flexes ankle joint. Inverts foot. Antagonists: bularis longus, gastrocnemius, soleus, plantaris, tibialis posterior.
NERVE
Deep peroneal nerve, L4, 5, S1.
BASIC FUNCTIONAL MOVEMENT
Example: walking and running (helps prevent foot from slapping onto ground after heel strikes; lifts foot clear of ground as leg swings forward).
How to Massage the Tibialis Anterior
Tibialis Anterior - Common Trigger Point Site
Tibialis Anterior - Typical Referred Pattern
TRIGGER POINT REFERRED PAIN PATTERNS
Anteromedial vague pain along shin, with zone of pain 3–5 cm in ankle joint (anterior), culminating in great-toe pain (whole toe).
INDICATIONS
Ankle pain/tenderness, pain in great toe, shin splints (anterior tibial compartment syndrome), foot dragging, ankle weakness (children), gout toe, turf toe, falls, balance issues.
CAUSES
Direct trauma, twisted ankle, ill-fitting boots/shoes, poor orthotics, walking on uneven surfaces, stubbing great toe, overload (e.g. walking, car pedals).
DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS
Lumbar discopathy. Arthritic toes. Anterior tibial compartment syndrome. Shin splints (anterior). Varicose veins. Gout.
CONNECTIONS
Extensor hallucis longus, peroneus tertius, extensor hallucis brevis, extensor digitorum brevis/longus, flexor hallucis longus, 1st dorsal interosseous.
Self Help - Pressure tools can be useful but be aware of varicose veins
GENERAL ADVICE TO PATIENTS
Self-massage techniques can be helpful. Be careful if there are varicose veins. Balls, hooks, and pressure tools can generally be used, as the muscle is fairly superficial.
Avoid long car journeys and use of pedals. Regularly change running surface/ shoes. Avoid walking (prolonged) on sloping surfaces.
Have stretch program (heat/warmth/cold). Adjust car seat. Use wedge under heel of foot for car pedal.
Links
Treating Ankle Sprains - Trigger Point Therapy
More Articles About Trigger Points
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This trigger point therapy blog is intended to be used for information purposes only and is not intended to be used for medical diagnosis or treatment or to substitute for a medical diagnosis and/or treatment rendered or prescribed by a physician or competent healthcare professional. This information is designed as educational material, but should not be taken as a recommendation for treatment of any particular person or patient. Always consult your physician if you think you need treatment or if you feel unwell.
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