What is the Flexor Digitorum Longus?
The flexor digitorum longus is a long muscle in your lower leg that helps you grip the ground with your toes and control your foot when you walk, run, jump, and lift. It sits deep on the back and inside part of the lower leg, starting near the shin bone and traveling down behind the ankle. Its tendon then splits to attach to the ends of your four smaller toes. When it contracts, it bends those toes downward, which is the same action you use when you “claw” the floor for balance.