Anatomy
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What Is the Gastrocnemius Muscle?

Alex Paul
Alex Paul

In humans and certain animals, the gastrocnemius muscle is the long, thick muscle that runs down the back of the leg and forms a characteristic bulge at the calf. It is made up of two thick fibrous bands that originate behind the knee with what’s known as two “heads”; it ends at the ankle, right where the foot begins. Its main function is to push the leg down and keep it taut when required during activities such as walking, jogging, or even just standing. The muscle is notoriously strong, but injuries can and do happen. A torn gastrocnemius can cause a lot of pain and a great deal of physiological problems; sometimes targeted stretches and specialized therapy can help it heal, but in extreme cases surgery may be required to ensure that people regain all aspects of functionality.

Location

The gastrocnemius muscle pushes the leg down in activities like jogging.
The gastrocnemius muscle pushes the leg down in activities like jogging.

The gastrocnemius originates toward the bottom of the femur and inserts at the Achilles tendon. The soleus is the other major muscle of the calf and together with the gastrocnemius is important for both flexing the ankle and knee. Sometimes the muscles are grouped together and considered the same,which is logical to a point since they have the same insertion point and work closely together. Both allow plantar flexion of the foot, for instance, which is important in a number of different activities, and their locations overlap in several key places. When it comes to their core composition, though, there is thought to be quite a difference, and they are distinct in terms of muscular fidelity.

Composition

The major posterior calf muscle is known as the gastrocnemius.
The major posterior calf muscle is known as the gastrocnemius.

The gastrocnemius is made almost entirely of white muscle fibers, which are often classified medically as “fast twitch.” This is usually in reference to how quickly they conduct nerve signals and turn them into physical exertion and movement. The soleus, by contrast, is composed primarily of red fibers, and is an example of a “slow twitch” processor.

Physiology

Runners can help avoid injuries by gently stretching the soleus and other calf muscles before a workout.
Runners can help avoid injuries by gently stretching the soleus and other calf muscles before a workout.

One of the most distinctive things about the gastrocnemius muscle is its two heads. This means it attaches on both sides of the knee to provide stability. Medically, this is described as the muscle having both a medial and a lateral attachment to the knee. The gastrocnemius actually takes on a diamond-like shape when viewed from behind as long as the muscle has fully developed.

Primary Function

Runners who don't stretch adequately before a workout are susceptible to muscle tears and strains.
Runners who don't stretch adequately before a workout are susceptible to muscle tears and strains.

As a whole, the calf muscles are involved in any action that includes plantar flexion of the foot or flexion of the knee. This includes standing on tiptoes, walking and running. The only difference between the soleus and gastrocnemius muscle when it comes to movement is that the soleus is more active when the knee is bent. In contrast, the gastrocnemius muscle is under most tension when the knee is straight.

Potential for Injury

The gastrocnemius muscle enables people to walk and run properly.
The gastrocnemius muscle enables people to walk and run properly.

There are a number of different injuries that could affect this muscle. One of the most severe is a muscle tear that can render the person unable to stand correctly until healed. This can happen for a number of reasons, but major trauma, sports injuries, and overuse tend to be the most common. The muscle is generally designed to withstand a great deal of tension and pressure, but like most anything else, it has its limits. Other injuries include inflammation due to repetitive strains and chronic tightness. Treatment for these injuries depends on the severity of the condition and the exact location of the injury.

The gastrocnemius muscle attaches on both sides of the knee to provide stability.
The gastrocnemius muscle attaches on both sides of the knee to provide stability.

Symptoms of a gastrocnemius tear vary depending on severity. Grade 1 tears are usually characterized by a small amount of pain and tightness in the muscle. This usually becomes more apparent a few days after the initial injury. A Grade 1 tear often won’t prevent an athlete from competing although rest may be required for a full recovery. Grade 2 and 3 tears are more severe and may require more extensive treatment, including prolonged therapies and sometimes even surgery.

Discussion Comments

Glasis

An injury in this area, especially a large rupture, can mean a lot of physical therapy. People with injuries like this not only need to get their strength back but need to gain back their confidence.

Physical therapists know what you have to do to bring yourself along at the right pace for you. They seem to know how to push just the right buttons to get that extra step from you when you don't think you want to go on.

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    • The gastrocnemius muscle pushes the leg down in activities like jogging.
      By: Ariwasabi
      The gastrocnemius muscle pushes the leg down in activities like jogging.
    • The major posterior calf muscle is known as the gastrocnemius.
      By: Myst
      The major posterior calf muscle is known as the gastrocnemius.
    • Runners can help avoid injuries by gently stretching the soleus and other calf muscles before a workout.
      By: Antonioguillem
      Runners can help avoid injuries by gently stretching the soleus and other calf muscles before a workout.
    • Runners who don't stretch adequately before a workout are susceptible to muscle tears and strains.
      By: evgenyatamanenko
      Runners who don't stretch adequately before a workout are susceptible to muscle tears and strains.
    • The gastrocnemius muscle enables people to walk and run properly.
      By: michaeljung
      The gastrocnemius muscle enables people to walk and run properly.
    • The gastrocnemius muscle attaches on both sides of the knee to provide stability.
      By: WavebreakmediaMicro
      The gastrocnemius muscle attaches on both sides of the knee to provide stability.
    • Wearing high heels may cause the calf muscles to tighten.
      By: Sandor Kacso
      Wearing high heels may cause the calf muscles to tighten.