MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Lower leg muscles

Medical Encyclopedia

Lower leg muscles

The muscles in the lower leg are divided into several compartments. The muscles in the anterior compartment include the tibialis anterior, extensor halluscis longus, extensor digitorum longus, and peroneous tertius. This group of muscle primarily extends the toes and dorsiflexes the ankle. When there is inflammation in the anterior compartment a painful condition called shinsplints can occur.

Update Date: 7/17/2008

Updated by: Andrew L. Chen, MD, MS, Orthopedist, The Alpine Clinic, Littleton, NH. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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