The plantaris and the soleus muscles in the calf are very susceptible to running injuries. In some cases, an injured plantaris muscle is regularly tantamount with calf pain and injury to the soleus muscle. Speaking to your doctor is important if you suspect lower leg injury from running. The doctor will determine treatment and diagnosis to expedite rehabilitation to get back to running.
Plantaris muscle
The plantaris muscle is a thin band of muscle tissue that facilitates better ankle and knee flexibility. The narrow muscle derives behind the knee joint and extends downward the back of the heel, near the Achilles tendon. Frequently confused for a nerve, the small plantaris muscle’s motor function is insignificant, which makes it a candidate for surgical tendon grafts and reconstruction of other musculature in the body.
Soleus muscle
The soleus muscle is a sturdy calf muscle that invigorates the ankle to flex. The muscle starts just beneath the back of the knee joint. Its heads bulge outward the back of the upper portion of the lower leg and narrows downward the heel, where it finally combines with the gastrocnemius aponeurosis to form the Achilles tendon.
Damage
Though the muscle function of the plantar is insignificant, it inflicts pain from injuries, like a torn Achilles tendon. Fraying to the muscle can also occur which are aggravated by running or jumping. Such overuse in the plantar muscle is known as ‘tennis leg’. The injury does not always originate in the plantaris.
Tears in the soleus muscle or the head of the gastrocnemius can agonize the plantar and afflict ‘tennis leg’. The repetitive motion from running overloads the ankle when the knee is in an extended position, which is when damage to the plantaris and soleus muscles happen most. Such injuries are the result of a mechanism – namely running – that may feel as if the muscles have been shocked.
Symptoms & treatment
Swelling and pain are indicative signs of ‘tennis leg’ eventually causing muscles soreness. The pain from the injury often intensifies a few hours after stopping a running session. The swelling can extend from the muscle heads downward to the ankle and foot, and is usually extremely painful when you flex your ankle.
Your doctor may recommend treatment like cryotherapy – medical therapy using low temperatures to cool body parts – passive stretching and ultrasound therapy. Post-therapy treatment often includes strength training. In less severe cases of pain in the soleus muscle, ice the calf 10 to 15 minutes after running then perform some basic calf muscle stretches and heel lifts.
Rehabilitation exercises
- Single leg squat
- Calf raise
- Calf stretches
- Wobble cushion balance
- Jumps
- Hops
