Muscle Detective: Gastrocnemius
The gastrocnemius is one of several calf muscles. Because the gastrocnemius cross two joints it is responsible for two distinct movements.
With its two short tendons attaching to the bottom end of the femur (thigh bone), the gastroc allows you to bend (flex) your knee. The long, inferior tendon was made rather famous by stories about a Greek warrior name Achilles. The Achilles tendon (more properly called the calcaneal tendon) crosses the ankle to attach to the heal bone (the calcaneus), allowing you to point your toe, also known as plantar flexion.
Many activities this holiday season may cause overuse in the gastrocs. Walking up stairs and escalators at the mall, inching along in traffic unable to use cruise control, and standing in line at the post office can create conditions that trigger points find attractive. Trigger points in the gastroc usually cause localized pain and pain in the arch of the foot.
Flying long distances can cause calf trouble for people at risk for deep vien throbmosis (DVT). Cramping in the calves can be caused by trigger points, poor circulation, or inadequate nutrition, especially calcium and magnesium.
Tags: Muscle Detective, muscles, Pain Relief, Therapeutic Massage, Trigger Points