(The Calf) Gastrocnemius & Soleus
See Exercises
1) Gastrocnemius
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- Gastrocnemius- Notice the bones view on the left, and how the Femur (thigh bone) meets the Tibia and Fibula (Shin bones) to form the knee joint. Now, look at the image on the right showing the connection of the Gastrocnemius to the Femur crossing the knee joint and connection to the Femoral Condyles. Because of the crossing connection, the Gastrocnemius aids the hamstrings with flexion of the knee.
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- The Gastrocnemius when injured at the top of the muscle belly causes pain in the center and on top. If the Achilles tendon is injured you will feel the pain down near the calcaneus (heal bone) and will also be very tender to the touch, sometimes swollen like a knot.
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- The left picture is the Gastrocnemius and the right is the Soleus.
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- Gastrocnemius- Notice the bones view on the left, and how the Femur (thigh bone) meets the Tibia and Fibula (Shin bones) to form the knee joint. Now, look at the image on the right showing the connection of the Gastrocnemius to the Femur crossing the knee joint and connection to the Femoral Condyles. Because of the crossing connection, the Gastrocnemius aids the hamstrings with flexion of the knee.
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- Achilles Tendon Injuries
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- RX is always ice 30 minutes 2 – 3 x a day on the painful area. Take anti-inflammatory meds, stretch, and tape the shin and arch before any physical activity.
{Gastrocnemius P154}
{Gastrocnemius p155}
Soleus
Soleus (Behind the Gastrocnemius)
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- The left picture is the Gastrocnemius and the right is the Soleus.
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- Soleus Muscle lies under the Gastrocnemius and does not cross the knee joint.
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- RX is always ice 30 minutes 2 – 3 x a day on the painful area. Take anti-inflammatory meds, stretch, and tape the shin and arch before any physical activity.
Action: The soleus as a major contributor in ones walking motion (Normal Gate). One of the most frequently used muscles in the body, the soleus, originates just below the knee on the posterior surface of the tibia and the posterior fibula. The soleus muscle is responsible for plantar flexion and acts as an antagonist to the anterior tibialis by limiting the amount of dorsiflexion in the foot. When the soleus muscle is injured or stressed, the body mechanics can be extremely compromised.
Pain: Primary symptoms of Soleus pain are heel pain and restriction in ankle flection Walking uphill or up and down stairs can be very difficult due to pain and tenderness . Leaving the soleus muscle in a shortened position for a prolonged period of time, as when women wear high-heels. Anything that cuts off circulation a
Attachment: The Soleus attaches above from the upper portions of the bones of the lower leg (the tibia and fibula), and joins with the gastrocnemius to attach with the Achilles tendon at the heel bone (Calcaneus).
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