Skip to content

Tibialis Anterior Muscle: Toe Foot and Ankle Pain

The tibialis anterior muscle lies along the outer side of the lower leg. Though located in the leg, trigger points in the muscle cause pain in the big toe and ankle. The tibialis anterior also plays a prominent role in shin splints.

Follow Us

Table of Contents

    Where Is The Tibialis Anterior Muscle?

    twd-tibialis-anterior-anatomy-pain1

    The tibialis anterior lies along the outside of the shin bone (tibia). The muscle attaches to the top of the shin bone and descends the leg, following the outside of the bone. The muscle’s tendon crosses the foot by the inside ankle and connects to two bones (medial cuneiform and first metatarsal) on the bottom of the foot.

    Interesting Facts:

    • Trigger points and a tight shortened tibialis anterior can make it challenging to pick up the foot and contributes to ‘tripping over your own feet.
    • Pain from trigger points in the tibialis anterior is sometimes diagnosed as gout or turf toe.
    • It is a primary cause of “growing” pains in the feet and ankles of children.

    What Does The Tibialis Anterior Muscle Do?

    dorsiflexion
    twd-inversion-ankle2
    • Turns the bottom of the foot inward
    • Bends the foot up toward the body via the ankle

    For detailed anatomy information:
    Tibialis Anterior Anatomy

    Tibialis Anterior Pain Symptoms

    Image showing the tibialis anterior pain pattern

    Located just to the outside of the shin bone, the tibialis anterior plays a role in the development of shin splints and sore shins.

    A symptom many do not attribute to the lower leg muscle is the pain in the big toe caused by the shortening of the muscle and the trigger points that form as a result. The pain may extend into the ankle and shin and intensifies when walking.

    The shortening of the muscle and trigger points can also lead to weak ankles and foot drop. Foot drop occurs when the lower leg muscles are weak and do not hold the front of the foot up, allowing the foot to drop when stepping forward. Foot drop can lead to tripping and falls. It can also indicate other serious medical conditions, and if it persists, you should report it to your doctor.

    Signs and symptoms include:

    • Pain in the big toe
    • Pain in the front of the ankle going up the front of the shin
    • Walking makes pain in the toe, ankle, and shin worse
    • Occasionally there will be swelling around the shin bone
    • Can contribute to shin splints
    • It can be a cause of weak ankles
    • Can contribute to foot drop, which can cause tripping and falling

    Other muscles, including the tibialis anterior, contribute to these conditions

    Muscles With Similar Pain Patterns

    Extensor Hallucis Longus Muscle

    Extensor Digitorum Longus Muscle

    Recommended Muscle Pain Products

    Doctors and physical therapists often recommend using a TENS at home to relax muscles and ease the pain. The Belifu TENS Unit Muscle Stimulator is highly recommended and an excellent choice for treating upper and lower leg pain.

    Sombra Warm Therapy Gel is recommended for relaxing muscles and relieving pain. It warms without the burning heat of other gels. An excellent choice for pain caused by trigger points, muscle/joint over-use and stiffness, and arthritis. If you have reoccurring leg or foot cramps, you should keep Somba on hand; it provides almost instant relief. (Not sold in stores)

    What Causes Tibialis Anterior Muscle Pain?

    Runners, joggers, power walkers, and hikers are most affected by tibialis anterior pain and trigger points. These activities overwork the lower leg muscles, including the tibialis anterior.

    Driving long distances with your foot pushing down on the gas pedal will also stress the anterior muscles of the lower leg. This alone is a good reason to use cruise control.

    Ankle sprains will cause trigger points to develop in the tibialis anterior.

    Another often overlooked cause of lower leg pain is wearing ill-fitting shoes. Flip-flops contribute to muscle stress in the feet, ankles, and lower leg, which can lead to hip and back pain.

    The Causes of Pain

    • Changes in your jogging/running gait
    • Changing your walking gait due to pain or injury
    • Walking or jogging on uneven ground or in deep sand
    • Walking up inclines and stairs
    • Wearing a cast or brace that immobilizes the lower leg
    • Driving long distances with your foot on the gas pedal
    • Wearing shoes that are too small

    How To Avoid Development of Trigger Points In The Tibialis Anterior Muscle

      • Build up time and distance if you are beginning a jogging, walking, or hiking program. If pain sets in stop until it is gone.
      • If you are driving a long distance use cruise control if possible. Take breaks and get out and walk around.
      • Make sure your shoes fit and are not too small, too big, too tight, or too short. Limit the time you wear high heels and flip-flops.
    trp-info-muscle-page

    Tibialis Anterior Trigger Point Treatment

    Image showing the locations of tibialis anterior trigger points

    The Trigger Point Therapy Workbook is a resource to treat trigger point muscle pain throughout the body. The workbook includes diagrams and instructions on locating trigger points in each muscle and the method to treat those specific trigger points.

    The book recommends using one of two tools because the trigger points found in the tibialis anterior are deep in the muscle and require deep pressure.

    The first is the Thera Cane Massager which can be used on muscles throughout the body. The cane allows you to treat muscles in the back, hips, and feet that you may not be able to reach. It is the most versatile tool of the two recommended.

    The second tool is The Knobble which provides targeted pressure to specific trigger points in muscles that you can easily reach. The Knobble works exceptionally well to treat muscles in the legs and feet.

    If you are uncomfortable trying self-treatment, find a massage therapist, chiropractor, or physical therapist who knows trigger point therapy. They will show you how to find the muscle, the trigger point and show you how to treat the TrP.

    For a successful outcome, tibialis anterior trigger points need treatment 2-3 times throughout the day. Continue the therapy until applying pressure to the area does not cause pain or symptoms.

    How Long Before I Feel A Reduction In Pain?

    Because the tibialis anterior is a deep and thick muscle, it may take several days of 2-3 treatments per day for the major pain to subside; however, you may feel a difference in the pain level after a few treatments.

    Other muscles that should be considered and examined:

    Satellite trigger points associated with the tibialis anterior muscle:

    Trigger points in one muscle will cause TrPs to develop in other muscles. These are known as satellite trigger points. You will need to check these muscles for additional TrPs.

      • Extensor Hallucis Longus
      • Extensor Digitorum Longus
      • Peroneus Longus
      • Peroneus Brevis
      • Peroneus Tertius

    Products We Use and Recommend For Low Leg Muscle Pain

    The Roxofit Calf Support/Shin Splint provides support and warmth to the lower leg muscles. This brace is recommended for Achilles tendon strains, sprains, and also strains, sprains, and overuse injuries of the lower leg muscles. An excellent choice for compression and support of the lower leg muscles. If you suspect or have ever been diagnosed with blood clots, consult your doctor before using this brace.

     

    Sore shins or calves? Feel as if shin splints are coming on? The ProStretch Calf Stretcher & Foot Rocker can help! The stretcher/rocker stretches and helps relax most of the muscles in the lower leg and foot. Physical therapists use them to treat sore shins and calves as well as foot pain and plantar fasciitis.

     

    Yoga Toes Gems are highly recommended for anyone dealing with foot and lower leg pain. The separators stretch the muscles of the feet and many muscles of the lower leg. Used regularly, Yoga Toes do help straighten and align your toes. They can also be helpful for some cases of bunions, hammertoes, and claw toes. It can also help with issues of plantar fasciitis. I prefer the Yoga Toes Gems because they are more supple, comfortable, and easier to use. To increase treatment, relax while wearing Yoga Toes and then use massage balls to roll the soles of the feet.

    For Men's shoe size ten and over or women's shoe size 12 and over, consider Yoga Toes For Men.

    Tibialis Anterior muscle pain and symptoms can be similar to, contribute to, and be affected by these medical diagnoses:

      • Anterior compartment syndrome
      • Shin splints
      • Diabetic neuropathy
      • Hammertoe
    • Claw toes
    • Gout
    • Turf toe
    • Foot drop