Muscles
Soleus
Plantarflexes the ankle independent of knee position; key for running endurance.
Overview
Plantarflexes the ankle independent of knee position; key for running endurance. Trigger points here are common in everyday and athletic populations and frequently contribute to the referred pain patterns described below.
Trigger point locations
Deep to gastrocnemius along the lower calf.
Referred pain pattern
Heel, Achilles area and sacroiliac region — a classic 'low back' referral.
Palpation & testing
Palpate the muscle belly along its accessible course. Reproduction of the patient's familiar pain on palpation supports involvement.
Common causes
Running mileage spikes, prolonged standing, calf disuse.
Self-care & clinical treatment
Bent-knee calf stretch, heel raises with bent knee. Clinically: needling.
Symptoms commonly linked
References
- • Travell & Simons — Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction