The calf, although often referred to as one muscle, is made up of two muscles — the Gastrocnemius and the Soleus. These muscles run down the back of the lower leg and meet at the Achilles tendon, which attaches directly to the heel. 1. The Gastrocnemius: The larger of the two muscles, forms the bulge visible beneath the skin. The gastrocnemius has two parts or "heads," which together form its diamond shape. It originates from either side of the knee joint and attaches to the Achilles tendon. Gastrocnemius strains are common because the muscle connects to two joints (the knee joint and the ankle joint). 2. The Soleus: A wide, flat muscle that lies underneath the gastrocnemius. It originates just below the knee and attaches to the Achilles tendon, above the heel. Soleus injuries are less common because the muscle only crosses the ankle joint. Your calf muscle acts as a support when you stand and allows you to move your foot and your lower leg. It helps propel you forward when you walk or run and allows you to jump, rotate your ankle, flex your foot and “lock” your knee. *Fun fact* Tight calf muscles can lead to heal and foot pain, sometimes causing plantar fasciitis. Schedule Sport Massage / Treatment as often as possible to avoid injury
Chris Heunis | Professional Practitioner
Member of CAMS (Complimentary & Alternative Medical Science) Institute The Healing Hands Group
Email: hands.healing@vodamail.co.za
Bookings: http://prohealing.booksy.net
Website: www.healinghandsmassage.co.za
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