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What is the Plantaris Tendon?

Katriena Knights
Katriena Knights

The plantaris tendon lies in the middle part of the calf muscle, on the back of the leg about halfway between the knee joint and the ankle. It extends from the plantaris muscle and attaches to the Achilles tendon, which is the tendon just above the heel and behind the ankle joint. A relatively small tendon, the plantaris tendon is not as vital to overall function as the Achilles tendon, but it can, on occasion, rupture and cause severe discomfort.

A plantaris rupture occurs most often during sports activities, particularly tennis. As a result, this type of injury is sometimes referred to as "tennis leg." Rapid movements required by tennis players, such as accelerating rapidly toward the net or making abrupt direction changes, can strain this area of the leg, leading to injury. Plantaris ruptures occur more often in male athletes, particularly part-time athletes between 40 and 60 years old.

Plantar ruptures often occur during tennis, which requires rapid movement.
Plantar ruptures often occur during tennis, which requires rapid movement.

When the injury occurs, the individual might actually hear or feel the tendon pop and feel an intense, stabbing pain in the calf. Pain accompanying a plantaris tendon rupture is persistent and lies deeper within the calf muscle than if the muscle itself were strained. In some cases, the plantaris muscle and tendon have suffered chronic swelling that finally manifests in a rupture, but most of the time, the injury occurs suddenly.

A comprehensive stretching regimen before activities can increase flexibility in the plantaris tendon.
A comprehensive stretching regimen before activities can increase flexibility in the plantaris tendon.

A plantaris tendon strain can sometimes be mistaken for an injury to the Achilles tendon. Doctors diagnosing the strain must examine the Achilles tendon and evaluate movement in the foot, heel and lower leg to rule out damage to this area. Damage to the Achilles tendon is a more serious condition and requires orthopedic treatment. By contrast, a plantaris tear can be treated with rest, alternating cold and heat, elevation and analgesics to manage the pain. Plantaris tendon strains also can be accompanied by swelling and strain or damage to the calf muscle itself.

The plantaris tendon is located in the middle of the calf muscle.
The plantaris tendon is located in the middle of the calf muscle.

To avoid strains, athletes should warm up before strenuous activity. Practicing a comprehensive warm-up and stretching regimen before activities such as playing tennis can increase flexibility in the muscles and tendons so they respond better to strain placed on them during the activity. Any sudden or nagging pain in the calf area should be brought to the attention of a doctor, because prompt treatment can help tendon strains and other injuries heal more quickly and thoroughly.

Discussion Comments

anon949659

I had a plantaris tendon injury. I'm still recovering. Three weeks in and there is still a lot of pain in the inside of my calf. Physio is helping. I injured it by a sudden burst of running at a dance. t does definitely hurt and takes a while to recover from.

sweetPeas

Two years ago, I ruptured my Achilles tendon. This is definitely worse than a ruptured plantaris, which is a smaller tendon. I had to have surgery, then three months in a cast, and then six months of physical therapy. It was still sore and stiff so I decided to give up tennis. I was playing tennis when I was injured.

This is the information that I got from the doctor. She told me that this tendon is the largest one in the body and that there are several things that might have caused the rupture.

It might have happened because my calf muscles were weak and tired, or the muscles in the leg were not balanced in strength. Or, maybe, when I was going for a shot, my foot and toes went up from the ground and "pop," the ligament tore apart. I guess I am either too old, or I didn't warm up or whatever. It was a real ordeal.

Clairdelune

Wow - playing tennis has a number of injuries nicknamed after the game. For example,there is tennis elbow and two injuries to the leg - Achilles tendon and plantaris tendon. When I used to play tennis, I suffered tennis elbow and Achilles tendon. I never had plantaris tendon.

If plantaris tendon is anything like Achilles tendon, it's pretty painful and it takes a lot of treatment - like rest, hot and cold packs, and medication to get rid of the pain. It sounds a lot the same as Achilles tendon, but I guess not as serious.

As in all sports, before you start playing, be sure to warm up. I admit I didn't always do that.

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    • Plantar ruptures often occur during tennis, which requires rapid movement.
      By: justinkendra
      Plantar ruptures often occur during tennis, which requires rapid movement.
    • A comprehensive stretching regimen before activities can increase flexibility in the plantaris tendon.
      By: and.one
      A comprehensive stretching regimen before activities can increase flexibility in the plantaris tendon.
    • The plantaris tendon is located in the middle of the calf muscle.
      By: Myst
      The plantaris tendon is located in the middle of the calf muscle.
    • Tennis players should use proper form and technique in order to stave off injuries.
      By: Andres Rodriguez
      Tennis players should use proper form and technique in order to stave off injuries.
    • Sports massage may be used to relieve pain in the the legs and feet.
      By: wellphoto
      Sports massage may be used to relieve pain in the the legs and feet.
    • Plantaris tendon ruptures are uncommon among younger athletes.
      By: Andrey Kiselev
      Plantaris tendon ruptures are uncommon among younger athletes.
    • A plantaris rupture may occur as a result of a soccer-related injury.
      By: Jasminko Ibrakovic
      A plantaris rupture may occur as a result of a soccer-related injury.