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6.1 TIBIALIS ANTERIOR

 

 

Figure 4. Pain pattern referred from a TrP at its usual location in tibialis anterior (Travell & Simons, 1992).

 

Symptoms

• Pain is usually present around the anteromedial aspect of hallux.

• Weakness of ankle dorsiflexion.

• Usually no complaint of nocturnal pain.

 

Trigger Point Examination

• Most commonly found in the upper one-third of the muscle.

• Transverse palpation will reveal taut bands.

• Digital pressure applied to an active TrP will elicit the referred pain in the ankle or foot.

 

Associated Trigger Points

• Tibialis anterior and peroneus longus are well-matched antagonists for stabilisation and balance of the foot and therefore TrP commonly co-exist.

• Extensor digitorum longus and extensor hallucis longus may also develop TrP.

 

Differential Diagnoses

• Radiculopathy.

• Anterior compartment syndrome.

• Subcutaneous herniation of tibialis anterior.

 

 

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