Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsAnatomyFunctionConditionsRehabilitationFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Anatomy
Function
Conditions
Rehabilitation
Frequently Asked Questions
The calf is composed of two muscles, the soleus and the gastrocnemius, which is a large muscle located in the back of your lower leg. The gastrocnemius muscle is an important mover of your lower leg and is responsible for normal walking and running actions. The gastrocnemius joins the soleus to form theAchilles tendon, the large tendon that attaches to your heel bone. You have two gastrocs, one in each lower leg.
The gastrocnemius muscle originates as two heads behind your knee. The medial, or inside, head arises from the medial condyle of the back of your femur (thigh bone). The lateral head on the outside part of your lower leg arises from the lateral condyle of your femur.
The muscle then courses down the back of your leg and joins the deeper soleus muscle. They both form the Achilles tendon and attach on the posterior aspect of your calcaneus, or heel bone. Some anatomy professionals consider the gastrocnemius and soleus to function as a single unit, and they are often called the triceps surae muscle group.(Tricepsmeansthree-headed, andsuraerelates to the calf muscle.)
The gastrocnemius muscle is superficial; you can easily see it and you can touch it on the back of your lower leg.
It is interesting to note that a small sesamoid or floating bone called a fabella is present in the lateral aspect of the gastrocnemius in approximately ten to thirty percent of people.This anatomical variance usually causes no functional problems.
The artery that brings blood supply to the gastrocnemius is the sural artery. This artery arises from the popliteal artery behind your knee.
gilaxia / Getty Images
The main function of the gastrocnemius muscle is to plantarflex your ankle. This means that as your gastroc contracts, your ankle and toes point down. When walking, running, or climbing stairs, the muscle works to flex your ankle and propel you forward.
The muscle is considered one of the “anti-gravity” muscles. It works along with thequadricepsandgluteus musclesto help raise our bodies up against the force of gravity. When your foot is planted on the ground, the gastrocnemius also acts to stabilize your foot and ankle.
Since the gastrocnemius crosses the knee joint in the back, it is considered a two-joint muscle. Therefore, it not only acts on the ankle but the knee as well. The function of the gastroc at the knee is to work with your hamstrings to flex, or bend, your knee joint.
Because it is a two-joint muscle, the gastrocnemius is prone to quite a bit of use—and sometimes overuse. This can lead to problems with the muscle.
Anatomy and Function of the Lower Leg Muscles
Quite a few conditions can affect the calf muscles of your lower legs. These may include:
Additionally, calf muscle conditions also include:
If you have pain or limited mobility in your gastrocnemius, it is important to see your healthcare provider. They candiagnose your conditionand help get you on track to recovery.
If you have suffered an injury to your gastrocnemius, your healthcare provider can determine the nature of your condition and can help guide you to the best treatment for you. Working with aphysical therapistmay be a good idea to help with various gastrocnemius injuries.
Initial treatment for many gastrocnemius injuries typically includes a period of rest or immobilization.This allows your calf muscle to heal so you can start restoring flexibility and strength to the muscle. Your healthcare provider may have you use an assistive device like acaneor crutches to walk to help decrease force through your gastrocnemius during this healing time. Once a short period of rest is complete, rehabilitation of your calf can begin.
Rehab for your gastrocnemius depends on the severity and type of injury you have suffered, and your PT will likely use various treatments to help you fully recover. These may include:
Recovery from a gastrocnemius injury can take anywhere from two to twelve weeks depending on the severity of the injury. Speak with your healthcare provider or physical therapist to understand your specific prognosis and what to expect from your gastroc rehab.
A Word From Verywell
The gastrocnemius muscle is a major mover of your ankle and knee joint, and it works in conjunction with neighboring muscles to help stabilize your leg while walking and running. It is also prone to various injuries and conditions. Having a basic knowledge of the gastrocnemius muscle can help you fully recover after an injury. That way, you can quickly get back to your normal activity and function.
Frequently Asked QuestionsSitting or standing for long periods during the day, overusing muscles, and sitting in a way that restricts blood flow can lead to nighttime leg cramps. Pregnant women are very likely to have night cramps, possibly because the additional weight strains the calf muscles.Learn MoreHow to Manage Cramps During PregnancyStay hydrated throughout exercise and the entire day to prevent cramps. You can also try to eat more foods rich in magnesium and potassium.Wearing warm socks might also help prevent muscle cramps.Learn MorePreventing Leg CrampsThe gastrocnemius muscle is attached to the smaller soleus muscle that runs down the back of the lower leg to the Achilles tendon. Together, these muscles make it possible to walk, run, jump, and extend your foot.Learn MoreCauses of Achilles Tendon Pain
Sitting or standing for long periods during the day, overusing muscles, and sitting in a way that restricts blood flow can lead to nighttime leg cramps. Pregnant women are very likely to have night cramps, possibly because the additional weight strains the calf muscles.Learn MoreHow to Manage Cramps During Pregnancy
Sitting or standing for long periods during the day, overusing muscles, and sitting in a way that restricts blood flow can lead to nighttime leg cramps. Pregnant women are very likely to have night cramps, possibly because the additional weight strains the calf muscles.
Learn MoreHow to Manage Cramps During Pregnancy
Stay hydrated throughout exercise and the entire day to prevent cramps. You can also try to eat more foods rich in magnesium and potassium.Wearing warm socks might also help prevent muscle cramps.Learn MorePreventing Leg Cramps
Stay hydrated throughout exercise and the entire day to prevent cramps. You can also try to eat more foods rich in magnesium and potassium.Wearing warm socks might also help prevent muscle cramps.
Learn MorePreventing Leg Cramps
The gastrocnemius muscle is attached to the smaller soleus muscle that runs down the back of the lower leg to the Achilles tendon. Together, these muscles make it possible to walk, run, jump, and extend your foot.Learn MoreCauses of Achilles Tendon Pain
The gastrocnemius muscle is attached to the smaller soleus muscle that runs down the back of the lower leg to the Achilles tendon. Together, these muscles make it possible to walk, run, jump, and extend your foot.
Learn MoreCauses of Achilles Tendon Pain
16 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Shan X, Otsuka S, Yakura T, Naito M, Nakano T, Kawakami Y.Morphological and mechanical properties of the human triceps surae aponeuroses taken from elderly cadavers: Implications for muscle-tendon interactions.PLoS One. 2019;14(2):e0211485. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0211485Dalip D, Iwanaga J, Oskouian RJ, Tubbs RS.A comprehensive review of the fabella bone.Cureus. 2018;10(6):e2736. doi:10.7759/cureus.2736Green B, McClelland JA, Semciw AI, Schache AG, McCall A, Pizzari T.The assessment, management and prevention of calf muscle strain injuries: a qualitative study of the practices and perspectives of 20 expert sports clinicians.Sports Med Open. 2022;8(1):10. doi:10.1186/s40798-021-00364-0Behringer M, Moser M, McCourt M, Montag J, Mester J.A promising approach to effectively reduce cramp susceptibility in human muscles: a randomized, controlled clinical trial.PLoS One. 2014;9(4):e94910. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0094910Patil R, Verkey P, Patil H, Manoharan D.Isolated tibial nerve injury: a rare presentation.Plast Aesthet Res. 2015;2(2):85. doi:10.4103/2347-9264.153207National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Sciatica.Nedergaard, A., Jespersen, J.G., Pingel, J.et al.Effects of 2 weeks lower limb immobilization and two separate rehabilitation regimens on gastrocnemius muscle protein turnover signaling and normalization genes.BMC Res Notes5, 166 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1186/1756-0500-5-166Wang JS.Therapeutic effects of massage and electrotherapy on muscle tone, stiffness and muscle contraction following gastrocnemius muscle fatigue.J Phys Ther Sci. 2017;29(1):144-147. doi:10.1589/jpts.29.144Sato S, Hiraizumi K, Kiyono R, et al.The effects of static stretching programs on muscle strength and muscle architecture of the medial gastrocnemius.PLoS One. 2020;15(7):e0235679. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0235679Davison EA, Anderson CT, Ponist BH, et al.Inhibitory effect of the Kinesio Taping method on the gastrocnemius muscle.Am J Sports Sci Med. 2016;4(2):33-38. doi:10.12691/ajssm-4-2-2Regima SE, Balakrishnan R, Arumugam S.A comparative study on the effect of hot pack and ultrasound therapy prior to passive stretching on the extensibility of plantar flexors among Asia Metropolitan University students.Int J Phy Educ Sports Health. 2016;3(1):357-363.Maritz CA, Silbernagel KG.A prospective cohort study on the effect of a balance training program, including calf muscle strengthening, in community-dwelling older adults.J Geriatr Phys Ther. 2016;39(3):125-131. doi:10.1519/JPT.0000000000000059Cain MS, Ban RJ, Chen YP, Geil MD, Goerger BM, Linens SW.Four-week ankle-rehabilitation programs in adolescent athletes with chronic ankle instability.J Athl Train. 2020;55(8):801-810. doi:10.4085/1062-6050-41-19Lu CC, Yao HI, Fan TY, Lin YC, Lin HT, Chou PP.Twelve weeks of a staged balance and strength training program improves muscle strength, proprioception, and clinical function in patients with isolated posterior cruciate ligament injuries.Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021;18(23):12849. doi:10.3390/ijerph182312849National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Muscle cramps.March of Dimes.Common discomforts of pregnancy.
16 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Shan X, Otsuka S, Yakura T, Naito M, Nakano T, Kawakami Y.Morphological and mechanical properties of the human triceps surae aponeuroses taken from elderly cadavers: Implications for muscle-tendon interactions.PLoS One. 2019;14(2):e0211485. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0211485Dalip D, Iwanaga J, Oskouian RJ, Tubbs RS.A comprehensive review of the fabella bone.Cureus. 2018;10(6):e2736. doi:10.7759/cureus.2736Green B, McClelland JA, Semciw AI, Schache AG, McCall A, Pizzari T.The assessment, management and prevention of calf muscle strain injuries: a qualitative study of the practices and perspectives of 20 expert sports clinicians.Sports Med Open. 2022;8(1):10. doi:10.1186/s40798-021-00364-0Behringer M, Moser M, McCourt M, Montag J, Mester J.A promising approach to effectively reduce cramp susceptibility in human muscles: a randomized, controlled clinical trial.PLoS One. 2014;9(4):e94910. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0094910Patil R, Verkey P, Patil H, Manoharan D.Isolated tibial nerve injury: a rare presentation.Plast Aesthet Res. 2015;2(2):85. doi:10.4103/2347-9264.153207National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Sciatica.Nedergaard, A., Jespersen, J.G., Pingel, J.et al.Effects of 2 weeks lower limb immobilization and two separate rehabilitation regimens on gastrocnemius muscle protein turnover signaling and normalization genes.BMC Res Notes5, 166 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1186/1756-0500-5-166Wang JS.Therapeutic effects of massage and electrotherapy on muscle tone, stiffness and muscle contraction following gastrocnemius muscle fatigue.J Phys Ther Sci. 2017;29(1):144-147. doi:10.1589/jpts.29.144Sato S, Hiraizumi K, Kiyono R, et al.The effects of static stretching programs on muscle strength and muscle architecture of the medial gastrocnemius.PLoS One. 2020;15(7):e0235679. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0235679Davison EA, Anderson CT, Ponist BH, et al.Inhibitory effect of the Kinesio Taping method on the gastrocnemius muscle.Am J Sports Sci Med. 2016;4(2):33-38. doi:10.12691/ajssm-4-2-2Regima SE, Balakrishnan R, Arumugam S.A comparative study on the effect of hot pack and ultrasound therapy prior to passive stretching on the extensibility of plantar flexors among Asia Metropolitan University students.Int J Phy Educ Sports Health. 2016;3(1):357-363.Maritz CA, Silbernagel KG.A prospective cohort study on the effect of a balance training program, including calf muscle strengthening, in community-dwelling older adults.J Geriatr Phys Ther. 2016;39(3):125-131. doi:10.1519/JPT.0000000000000059Cain MS, Ban RJ, Chen YP, Geil MD, Goerger BM, Linens SW.Four-week ankle-rehabilitation programs in adolescent athletes with chronic ankle instability.J Athl Train. 2020;55(8):801-810. doi:10.4085/1062-6050-41-19Lu CC, Yao HI, Fan TY, Lin YC, Lin HT, Chou PP.Twelve weeks of a staged balance and strength training program improves muscle strength, proprioception, and clinical function in patients with isolated posterior cruciate ligament injuries.Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021;18(23):12849. doi:10.3390/ijerph182312849National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Muscle cramps.March of Dimes.Common discomforts of pregnancy.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Shan X, Otsuka S, Yakura T, Naito M, Nakano T, Kawakami Y.Morphological and mechanical properties of the human triceps surae aponeuroses taken from elderly cadavers: Implications for muscle-tendon interactions.PLoS One. 2019;14(2):e0211485. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0211485Dalip D, Iwanaga J, Oskouian RJ, Tubbs RS.A comprehensive review of the fabella bone.Cureus. 2018;10(6):e2736. doi:10.7759/cureus.2736Green B, McClelland JA, Semciw AI, Schache AG, McCall A, Pizzari T.The assessment, management and prevention of calf muscle strain injuries: a qualitative study of the practices and perspectives of 20 expert sports clinicians.Sports Med Open. 2022;8(1):10. doi:10.1186/s40798-021-00364-0Behringer M, Moser M, McCourt M, Montag J, Mester J.A promising approach to effectively reduce cramp susceptibility in human muscles: a randomized, controlled clinical trial.PLoS One. 2014;9(4):e94910. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0094910Patil R, Verkey P, Patil H, Manoharan D.Isolated tibial nerve injury: a rare presentation.Plast Aesthet Res. 2015;2(2):85. doi:10.4103/2347-9264.153207National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Sciatica.Nedergaard, A., Jespersen, J.G., Pingel, J.et al.Effects of 2 weeks lower limb immobilization and two separate rehabilitation regimens on gastrocnemius muscle protein turnover signaling and normalization genes.BMC Res Notes5, 166 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1186/1756-0500-5-166Wang JS.Therapeutic effects of massage and electrotherapy on muscle tone, stiffness and muscle contraction following gastrocnemius muscle fatigue.J Phys Ther Sci. 2017;29(1):144-147. doi:10.1589/jpts.29.144Sato S, Hiraizumi K, Kiyono R, et al.The effects of static stretching programs on muscle strength and muscle architecture of the medial gastrocnemius.PLoS One. 2020;15(7):e0235679. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0235679Davison EA, Anderson CT, Ponist BH, et al.Inhibitory effect of the Kinesio Taping method on the gastrocnemius muscle.Am J Sports Sci Med. 2016;4(2):33-38. doi:10.12691/ajssm-4-2-2Regima SE, Balakrishnan R, Arumugam S.A comparative study on the effect of hot pack and ultrasound therapy prior to passive stretching on the extensibility of plantar flexors among Asia Metropolitan University students.Int J Phy Educ Sports Health. 2016;3(1):357-363.Maritz CA, Silbernagel KG.A prospective cohort study on the effect of a balance training program, including calf muscle strengthening, in community-dwelling older adults.J Geriatr Phys Ther. 2016;39(3):125-131. doi:10.1519/JPT.0000000000000059Cain MS, Ban RJ, Chen YP, Geil MD, Goerger BM, Linens SW.Four-week ankle-rehabilitation programs in adolescent athletes with chronic ankle instability.J Athl Train. 2020;55(8):801-810. doi:10.4085/1062-6050-41-19Lu CC, Yao HI, Fan TY, Lin YC, Lin HT, Chou PP.Twelve weeks of a staged balance and strength training program improves muscle strength, proprioception, and clinical function in patients with isolated posterior cruciate ligament injuries.Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021;18(23):12849. doi:10.3390/ijerph182312849National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Muscle cramps.March of Dimes.Common discomforts of pregnancy.
Shan X, Otsuka S, Yakura T, Naito M, Nakano T, Kawakami Y.Morphological and mechanical properties of the human triceps surae aponeuroses taken from elderly cadavers: Implications for muscle-tendon interactions.PLoS One. 2019;14(2):e0211485. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0211485
Dalip D, Iwanaga J, Oskouian RJ, Tubbs RS.A comprehensive review of the fabella bone.Cureus. 2018;10(6):e2736. doi:10.7759/cureus.2736
Green B, McClelland JA, Semciw AI, Schache AG, McCall A, Pizzari T.The assessment, management and prevention of calf muscle strain injuries: a qualitative study of the practices and perspectives of 20 expert sports clinicians.Sports Med Open. 2022;8(1):10. doi:10.1186/s40798-021-00364-0
Behringer M, Moser M, McCourt M, Montag J, Mester J.A promising approach to effectively reduce cramp susceptibility in human muscles: a randomized, controlled clinical trial.PLoS One. 2014;9(4):e94910. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0094910
Patil R, Verkey P, Patil H, Manoharan D.Isolated tibial nerve injury: a rare presentation.Plast Aesthet Res. 2015;2(2):85. doi:10.4103/2347-9264.153207
National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Sciatica.
Nedergaard, A., Jespersen, J.G., Pingel, J.et al.Effects of 2 weeks lower limb immobilization and two separate rehabilitation regimens on gastrocnemius muscle protein turnover signaling and normalization genes.BMC Res Notes5, 166 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1186/1756-0500-5-166
Wang JS.Therapeutic effects of massage and electrotherapy on muscle tone, stiffness and muscle contraction following gastrocnemius muscle fatigue.J Phys Ther Sci. 2017;29(1):144-147. doi:10.1589/jpts.29.144
Sato S, Hiraizumi K, Kiyono R, et al.The effects of static stretching programs on muscle strength and muscle architecture of the medial gastrocnemius.PLoS One. 2020;15(7):e0235679. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0235679
Davison EA, Anderson CT, Ponist BH, et al.Inhibitory effect of the Kinesio Taping method on the gastrocnemius muscle.Am J Sports Sci Med. 2016;4(2):33-38. doi:10.12691/ajssm-4-2-2
Regima SE, Balakrishnan R, Arumugam S.A comparative study on the effect of hot pack and ultrasound therapy prior to passive stretching on the extensibility of plantar flexors among Asia Metropolitan University students.Int J Phy Educ Sports Health. 2016;3(1):357-363.
Maritz CA, Silbernagel KG.A prospective cohort study on the effect of a balance training program, including calf muscle strengthening, in community-dwelling older adults.J Geriatr Phys Ther. 2016;39(3):125-131. doi:10.1519/JPT.0000000000000059
Cain MS, Ban RJ, Chen YP, Geil MD, Goerger BM, Linens SW.Four-week ankle-rehabilitation programs in adolescent athletes with chronic ankle instability.J Athl Train. 2020;55(8):801-810. doi:10.4085/1062-6050-41-19
Lu CC, Yao HI, Fan TY, Lin YC, Lin HT, Chou PP.Twelve weeks of a staged balance and strength training program improves muscle strength, proprioception, and clinical function in patients with isolated posterior cruciate ligament injuries.Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021;18(23):12849. doi:10.3390/ijerph182312849
National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Muscle cramps.
March of Dimes.Common discomforts of pregnancy.
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