Anterior Tibialis Stretch Helps Shins

Keep your anterior tibialis muscles flexible to avoid pain (cramps, soreness) and even shin splints. If you train for races like 5Ks, 10Ks or marathons, you need to keep your anterior tibialis muscles flexible. Sports that require sprinting can also tighten up or strain the anterior tibialis muscles.



The anterior tibialis muscle runs along the outside front of your shin and flexes your foot upward. Overuse, inflammation, tightness and stress on the anterior tibialis muscle can cause lateral shin splints.

A good dynamic warmup is a MUST before your workout. A dynamic warmup will prepare your body best for a tough workout. Do static stretches after your workout (when muscles are warm) to increase your range of motion.

Do the standing anterior tibialis muscle stretch this way:

1. Stand and use a wall to support your body during the stretch.

2. Place the foot to be stretched just behind your other foot. Your other foot should be flat on the ground for support. Stretch the tibialis muscle by dragging your toe until you feel a stretch from the top of your foot through your shins. Keep both knees slightly bent during the stretch. Hold the stretch for 20-30 seconds. Repeat the same with the other foot.

See my article on how to prevent and treat shin splints.

For more help with flexibility, download your Free e-Course, "Stretching Tips e-Course" from The Stretching Institute.

Mark Dilworth, BA, PES
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