Don't Trip on Your Toes! Thank Tib Ant!

Since we have been talking about ankles, lets study another big player in ankle stability. It's the shin muscle called the Tibialis Anterior.

The Tibialis Anterior is the largest muscle on the front of the lower leg. It attaches on the top of the lateral condyle of the Tibia and goes down to attach on the first metatarsal of the foot.
The Tibialis Anterior is a dorsiflexor of the foot which is when you pull the top of your foot towards your shin. It also does a slight inversion of the foot. These actions are very important in stabilizing your ankles and legs when you walk. Without dorsiflexion and the Tib Anterior you would trip over your toes when trying to take a step and you wouldn't be able to balance on one leg as efficiently.
 

I find dysfunction in the Tib Anterior all the time, especially with runners. When the Tib Anterior gets angry shin splints can result. Any runner knows Shin splints are not fun and can often set back your training. Keep Tibialis Anterior happy by getting assessed! “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”

Have a great day folks!