The extensor digitorum longus is the primary toe extensor for toes 2-5, contributing to dorsiflexion and eversion. It shares the anterior compartment with tibialis anterior, EHL, and the peroneus tertius.
| Origin | Lateral tibial condyle, upper three-quarters of the anterior fibula, and the interosseous membrane |
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| Insertion | Dorsal expansions of the second through fifth toes — via the extensor digitorum brevis contributions |
| Nerve Supply | Deep peroneal nerve (L4, L5, S1) |
| Blood Supply | Anterior tibial artery |
| Actions | Extends the MTP and IP joints of toes 2-5; Dorsiflexes the ankle; Everts the foot — assists the peroneal muscles |
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EDL weakness accompanies tibialis anterior loss in anterior compartment syndrome or deep peroneal nerve palsy. In clawtoe deformity from intrinsic minus foot, EDL overactivity in the absence of intrinsic function pulls the MTP into extension producing the claw. Long toe extensor tenotomy or transfer is part of clawtoe correction.
Palpated on the dorsal ankle and foot lateral to EHL during resisted toe extension.
Relative EDL dominance over intrinsic muscles producing clawtoe MTP hyperextension in intrinsic minus foot from peripheral neuropathy, managed by intrinsic reconstruction or EDL tenotomy.
