subject: The Cramping Calf: An Ache That Wants To Be Heard. [print this page] What we refer to as the calf muscle actually consists of three separate muscles: the gastrocnemius, the soleus and the plantaris muscles. A recent article in Sports Physio Magazine brought forward an interesting discussion on injuries to the soleus muscle. The muscle originates just below the knee joint at the tibia and fibula and attaches (along with the tendons of the plantaris and gastrocs) via the Achilles tendon at the calcaneus (the heel bone). Its action is to plantarflex your foot. In other words, it allows you to point your toes downwards. The muscle is made up of slow twitch, type I muscle fibres, which means that it is more resistant to fatigue than the more power generating gastrocs muscle. Despite this however, in the high level athlete who undergoes multiple training sessions per week, this muscle can be aggravated through repetitive use.
Athletes are prone to developing a level of Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS) following training sessions, however, the sensation of a deep dull ache or even a mild cramp that lasts 1-2 days post training or following a game may be an indication of injury to the soleus muscle ( grade 1 or 2 strain). In some cases, when pain levels are elevated and accompanied by swelling and loss of function, there may be a full thickness tear of the muscle. Other possible causes of calf pain include injury to the gastrocnemius muscle or Achilles tendon while cramping may also be caused due to a lack of potassium (hypokalemia).
Following a comprehensive assessment, the physiotherapist may be able to determine the cause of the calf pain. In the event that the athletes symptoms have risen from an injury to the soleus muscle, rehabilitation for this injury needs to commence as soon as possible in order to prevent further injury as well as avoid delays in returning to sport. Treatment for the injury depends on the severity of the injury. The varying degrees of injury are outlined below and better physiotherapy which include Podiatry Services can help you out in this:
