Where Is the Gastrocnemius?
This muscle is located in the posterior (back) lower leg. It runs down from the top of the knee at the back all the way down to the heel.
What are the Symptoms of a Gastrocnemius Tear or Strain?
Coming onto the ball points of the toes when standing will engage the calf muscle. If pain increases a tear or strain is likely. This will also indicate whether it is on the inside, middle or outside.
If the calf muscle feels pain there is a test to measure if the muscle is torn. It is a simple squeeze test where the calf muscle is squeezed. If the foot does not move and there is a great deal of pain the muscle is quite severely torn.
What is The Function of the Gastrocnemius?
Flexes leg at the knee allowing you to bend it.
When standing if you come onto the toes you are engaging the Calf muscles.
Plantar flexes foot when engaged which means points the toes.
Origin and Insertion of Gastrocnemius
Origin:
The upper leg bone called femur inner and outer:
Medial head above the medial femoral condyle.
Lateral head: above the lateral femoral condyle.
Insertion:
Dorsum of the calcaneus through the Achilles tendon.
The calf muscle (triceps surae) consists of 3 muscles (the gastrocnemius, soleus, and plantaris).
