We use this muscle to run, jump and other fast movements, injuries of the calf are therefore a commonality in sports such as running, football and tennis. Here we look at what we can do to prevent it…
The gastrocnemius muscle is a muscle located on the back portion of the lower leg, being one of the two major muscles that make up the calf.
The other major calf muscle, the soleus muscle, is a flat muscle that lies underneath the gastrocnemius. Both the gastrocnemius and the soleus run the entire length of the lower leg, connecting behind the knee and at the heel. A third muscle, the plantaris muscle, extends two-to-four inches down from the knee and lies between the gastrocnemius and the soleus.
Sudden change in direction when running can cause the muscle to overstretch and lead to a tear, especially when flexing the ankle and extending the knee at the same.
Some of the symptoms which often occur when straining the muscle can include…
Some of the most effective ways to treat strains include…
To help prevent strain or injury, the standing calf stretch is one of the simplest and more durable calf stretches which can help improve muscle elasticity…
The downward dog calf stretch is slightly more challenging but equally as effective at reducing the likelihood of strain/injury and also for providing improved muscle elasticity…