Muscles

Gastrocnemius

Plantarflexes the ankle; flexes the knee.

Referred pain map

Gastrocnemius — four classic trigger points (TrP1–TrP4) across the two heads of the calf, with referred pain to the instep arch, the calf itself and the posterior knee crease; common driver of nocturnal calf cramps.

Overview

Plantarflexes the ankle; flexes the knee. Trigger points here are common in everyday and athletic populations and frequently contribute to the referred pain patterns described below.

Trigger point locations

Two heads forming the calf bulk.

Referred pain pattern

Posterior knee crease and instep arch — common cause of nocturnal calf cramps.

Palpation & testing

Palpate the muscle belly along its accessible course. Reproduction of the patient's familiar pain on palpation supports involvement.

Common causes

Sudden sprinting, hill running, dehydration.

Self-care & clinical treatment

Calf stretches, hydration, eccentric heel drops. Clinically: needling.

Symptoms commonly linked

Calf pain
Nocturnal calf cramps
Arch pain

References

• Travell & Simons — Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction