What is the structure of the gastrocnemius?
gastrocnemius muscle, also called leg triceps, large posterior muscle of the calf of the leg. It originates at the back of the femur (thighbone) and patella (kneecap) and, joining the soleus (another muscle of the calf), is attached to the Achilles tendon at the heel.
Where is the gastrocnemius muscle?
The calf muscle, on the back of the lower leg, is actually made up of two muscles: The gastrocnemius is the larger calf muscle, forming the bulge visible beneath the skin.
What causes pain in the gastrocnemius muscle?
A medial gastrocnemius strain is an acute injury that happens when the calf muscle is abruptly overstretched. It’s what can cause a calf muscle to hurt due to small tears in the muscle fibers. Some people hear a “pop” when the injury occurs, and you may not feel pain in the moment.
What is the origin and insertion of the gastrocnemius?
Attachments of Gastrocnemius Muscle: Origin & Insertion b. Lateral head: lateral condyle of femur and area just above condyle. Insertion: (distal attachments): Posterior calcaneus via calcaneal tendon.
What is the name of the tendon that attaches the gastrocnemius to the bone?
The Achilles tendon starts in the middle of your calf and extends down to your heel. It connects your calf muscles (gastrocnemius and soleus muscles) in the back of your lower leg to the heel bone in your foot.
What movement does the gastrocnemius control?
Along with the soleus muscle, the gastrocnemius forms half of the calf muscle. Its function is plantar flexing the foot at the ankle joint and flexing the leg at the knee joint. The gastrocnemius is primarily involved in running, jumping and other “fast” movements of leg, and to a lesser degree in walking and standing.
What nerve supplies the gastrocnemius muscle?
The tibial nerve (S1, S2) innervates the majority of the muscles of the calf. The tibial nerve passes through the popliteal fossa and gives off branches to the gastrocnemius, popliteus, soleus, and plantaris muscles.
How do you relieve gastrocnemius pain?
Care and Treatment
- Rest: Avoid walking or running with calf muscle pain.
- Ice: Put an ice pack or cold compress on your calf muscles for 20 minutes every two hours.
- Compression: Apply a compression bandage or wrap to your calf.
- Elevation: Lift your leg into an elevated position, preferably above the level of your heart.
How do you heal a strained gastrocnemius?
Management and Treatment
- Rest: Stop running or physical activity to avoid further damaging the calf.
- Ice: Apply an ice pack or cold compress for 20 minutes every two hours.
- Compression: Reduce swelling and fluid buildup by applying a compression bandage or wrap to the injured area.
What bone does gastrocnemius insert on?
calcaneus
Gastrocnemius muscle
| Origin | Lateral head: Posterolateral aspect of lateral condyle of the femur Medial head: Posterior surface of medial femoral condyle, popliteal surface of femoral shaft |
|---|---|
| Insertion | Posterior surface of the calcaneus via the calcaneal tendon |
| Innervation | Tibial nerve (S1, S2) |
What is a gastrocnemius tear?
A gastrocnemius muscle tear is a severe, sudden injury to your calf muscle. This muscle helps flex the lower leg. It also helps you do quick movements, such as jumping and sprinting. An injury to this muscle is sometimes called “tennis leg.”
What causes gastrocnemius pain?
How long does gastrocnemius take to heal?
In total, it usually takes up to three days for a pulled calf muscle to start feeling better. But a full recovery may take up to six weeks, according to Oxford University Hospitals. Severe swelling can make any pain and discomfort last a bit longer. Walking on recovering calf muscles can also increase recovery time.
How do you treat gastrocnemius pain?
How do you heal a torn gastrocnemius?
Treatment for a gastrocnemius muscle tear
- Rest. Avoid walking or other activities that cause pain.
- Ice. Putting ice on the injured area may ease swelling.
- Elevation.
- Prescription or over-the-counter medicines.
- Walking boot or crutches.
- Heel lifts.
- Compression sleeve.
- Strengthening and stretching exercises.