The calf muscle consists of two so-called ventricles, occupying two thirds of the lower leg area. Its upper edge is attached to the femur. Further, crossing the knee joint, the calf muscle joins the single muscle. From below, the Achilles tendon performs the role of attachment. With it, it attaches to the back of the heel.
The calf muscle contributes to the extension of the foot and is involved in the flexion of the knee when the leg does not support the mass of the body. In connection with the increased load on it, so-called stress points arise. Most often, they are formed in those who spend a long time on raised feet. These, in particular, include dancers, especially ballet dancers. Overstrain in the calf muscle is also experienced by women who prefer high heels. Divers and swimmers are also at risk: they may have stress points due to the extended position of both feet for a long time. In addition, one of the most common injuries in athletes is a calf muscle sprain.
Other movements that cause foot tension can lead to difficulties in the calf muscles. It should be said that people experience especially unpleasant sensations if they reduce the calf muscle. In this situation, experts recommend not to panic. First of all, it is necessary to massage the problem area. As a rule, a rush of blood helps eliminate discomfort and pain.
It should be noted that during overstrain in the calf muscle pain occurs. In some cases, discomfort can spread to the posterior region of the knee joint. The presence of stress points does not provoke the occurrence of significant restrictions on movement or weakness. But at the same time difficulties may arise if you want to fully extend the knee joint at the moment when the foot is in a bent position.
Due to the fact that the gastrocnemius muscle consists of two ventricles, it is necessary to examine both of them to identify tension points. To do this, sitting on the floor, stretch one leg forward and bend it at the knee. You can also sit on the couch, and put a low table or stand under your foot. Each ventricle should be palpated gently and slowly.
On the back of the heel is the Achilles tendon - the strongest and thickest tendon of the body. It should be felt up to the middle of the ankle. In this case, the site is probed in which the tendon passes into the muscle. Continuing the study, you should advance to the posterior region of the knee joint. In this way, hard muscle tapes and painful areas are detected. If tension points are detected, massage them carefully. As a rule, it is necessary to develop a muscle several times daily - so you can achieve its relaxation. After each such session, it is necessary to stretch the calf muscle. There are several exercises for this.
One of them is the following: the foot should be placed on the step so that the heel hangs down somewhat. With careful movements, you need to slightly transfer the center of gravity to that leg, the heel of which hangs from the step. The leg itself should be slightly bent at the knee. This position must be maintained for twenty-five to thirty seconds.
As a rule, soreness occurs in the ankle and in the Achilles tendon. As a result, it becomes quite difficult to bend the foot. This leads to certain restrictions in the process of movement - ascent, descent, normal walking. The occurrence of pain in the center of the ankle is somewhat less common. It is usually provoked by tension points in the middle of the muscle on the outside of the leg. Pain in the upper muscle area is even less common. She, in turn, provokes soreness at the site of the joint of the pelvic bone and sacrum.