The shinbone muscle

(Foot lifter; M. tibialis anterior)

The M. tibialis anterior (shinbone muscle) is a long skeletal muscle in shape of a spindle of the lower extremity and belongs to the group of the lower leg muscles. It runs along the outside of the leg besides the shinbone and ends just in front of the ankle joint. Its German name "Fußheber - foot lifter" originates from its main function to lift the foot. Its tendon is turned by ligaments of the ankle joint and is based on the inside of the foot (in the middle of the foot arch).
By drawing up the foot, the muscle supports the body in walking motion. It causes a round motion. Unusual or long marching causes tiredness of the muscle - resulting in tripping over one's own feet. Furthermore, it stabilizes the ankle joint - mainly in the first phase of contacting the floor while running or walking.
The foot lifter is the antagonist to the M. gastrocnemius and the M. soleus.

When the M. tibialis anterior is paralyzed, it causes the so called stepper-walk. It is a disorder in walking, whereby the tiptoe hangs down. Patients suffering from this paralysis, avoid tripping while going by bending the free leg (leg moving forwards while going) stronger in the knee.

M. tibialis anterior