Calf muscle. Description

The gastrocnemius muscle consists of two so-called ventricles, occupying two-thirds of the lower leg region. Its upper edge is attached to the femur. Further, crossing the knee joint, the gastrocnemius muscle joins the single muscle. From below the Achilles tendon plays the role of fastening. With its help it is attached to the back heel part.

The calf muscle promotes extension of the foot and participates in flexing the knee at a time when the leg does not support the mass of the trunk. In connection with the increased stress on it, there are so-called stress points. Most often they are formed in those who spend a long time on upbeat feet. Among them, in particular, include dancers, especially ballet dancers. Overexertion in gastrocnemius muscle is also experienced by women who prefer high heels. The risk group also includes divers and swimmers: their voltage points may appear due to the elongated position of both feet for a long time. In addition, one of the most common injuries in athletes is the stretching of the gastrocnemius muscle.

To the same difficulties in the calf muscles can lead and other movements that cause stress of the foot. It should be said that people experience especially unpleasant sensations in the event that the gastrocnemius muscle was brought. In this situation, experts recommend not to panic. First of all, you need to massage the problem area. As a rule, a rush of blood helps to eliminate discomfort and soreness.

It should be noted that when overexertion in the gastrocnemius muscle, painful sensations arise. In some cases, discomfort can spread to the posterior region of the knee joint. The presence of stress points does not provoke the appearance of significant restrictions in the movement or weakness. But at the same time, difficulties may arise if you want to fully unbend 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 stress points. For this it is necessary, sitting on the floor, to stretch one leg forward and bend it in the knee. You can sit down on the couch, and put a small table or stand under your foot. To probe each ventricle should be neat and slow.

On the back of the heel is the Achilles tendon - the strongest and thickest tendon of the body. It should be probed up to the middle of the ankle. In this case, a patch in which the tendon passes into the muscle is probed. Continuing the study, you should move to the back of the knee joint. Thus, hard muscle bands and painful areas are revealed. When detecting stress points, you should carefully massage them. As a rule, it is necessary to develop the muscle daily several times - so you can achieve its relaxation. After each such session, it is necessary to stretch the gastrocnemius muscle. For this, there are several exercises.

One of them is the following: the foot should be put on the step so that the heel hangs down a little. With cautious movements, you need to lightly transfer the center of gravity to that leg, the heel of which hangs from the step. The very leg should be bent at the knee. This position should be kept 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 - lifting, descent, ordinary walking. A little less marked is the appearance of soreness in the center of the ankle. It is usually provoked by stress points in the middle of the muscle on the outside of the leg. Even less often there is pain in the upper region of the muscle. It, in turn, provokes soreness in the area of the connection of the pelvic bone and the sacrum.