Calf muscles are the major supporters for our daily and everyday lives, yet they are the most ignored ones.
Calf muscles are a group of muscles containing the gastrocnemius (lateral and medial head) and the soleus.
The gastrocnemius is a superficial muscle with two heads of origin, the lateral and medial heads. It is responsible for the plantarflexion action of muscles, which helps with walking, running, and jumping. Along with it, it helps with knee bending, as it is a two-joint muscle (the one that crosses both the knee and ankle joints).
The soleus is a deep postural muscle originating from the tibia and fibula; it has its action primarily at the ankle joint.
These muscles are commonly innervated by the tibial nerve. Hence, impairment in the tibial nerve or its main branch of origin causes pain and sensations of burning, tingling, and numbness in the sole of the foot and toes accompanied by weakness in flexing the toe. It is frequently caused by tarsal tunnel syndrome, compression, or trauma. It needs to be diagnosed via nerve conduction studies.
Since this muscle helps to make you stand and balance along with the tibialis anterior (ankle dorsiflexor muscle), it is under very high stress and tension. Even though it is strong enough, it also needs care and rest. Hence, take care of the calf muscles, as they help with one of the major actions of plantar flexion, without which one is not eligible to stand, walk, or run. Also, stretching and strengthening them at regular intervals is important.
Have you ever felt gratitude for your calf muscles? What have you done to take care of them?
MBH/PS