Soleus Muscle

Authors

Affiliations

Nathaniel Yomogida, B.S., SPT

Doctor of Physical Therapy

B.S. in Kinesiology

Chloë Kerstein, B.S., SPT

Doctor of Physical Therapy

B.A. in Neuroscience

Schematic of Superficial Flexors of the Posterior Compartment of the Leg
1: Gastrocnemius
2: Soleus
3: Plantaris¹

Superficial Flexors of the Posterior Compartment of the Leg¹

Superficial Flexors of the Posterior Compartment of the Leg without the gastrocnemius¹

Muscle	Origin	Insertion	Innervation	Action
Soleus	Posterior Fibula Posterior Tibia	Calcaneal tuberosity via Achilles' Tendon	Tibial n. S1 - S2	TCJ: PF Lower leg: Stabilization

Origin

• Posterior fibula¹
• Posterior Tibia¹

Insertion

Calcaneal tuberosity via the Achilles’ tendon¹

Innervation

Tibial N. (S1, S2)¹

Action

• TCJ: Plantarflexion¹
• Stabilizes leg¹

Biomechanics

The Triceps Surae inserts onto the calcaneal tuberosity via the achilles tendon. The fulcrum is technically the distal foot and the external load acting upon this muscle, joint, tendon complex is at the tibia. Thus, this is a second class lever and as a result, the triceps surae create more torque relative to their force compared to most other muscles in the body.

Muscle Length Test

• Test DF with Knee flexed to 45°

Strength Testing

“The soleus muscle produces plantar flexion of the ankle joint, regardless of the position of the knee. To determine the individual functioning of the soleus as a plantar flexor, the knee is flexed to minimize the effect of the gastrocnemius muscle. The soleus is tested in a similar manner to that of the gastrocnemius, except that the patient performs the unilateral heel raise with some degree of knee flexion. Ability to perform 10–15 raises in this fashion is considered normal, 5-9 raises graded as fair, 1–4 raises graded as poor, and zero repetitions graded as nonfunctional. Alternatively, the strength of the soleus can be tested with the patient in prone”

Pails & Rails

P.A.I.L.’s

• Plantarflexion

R.A.I.L.’s

• Dorsiflexion

Stretch

• 3D Calf Stretch

References

1.

Gilroy AM, MacPherson BR, Wikenheiser JC, Voll MM, Wesker K, Schünke M, eds. Atlas of Anatomy. 4th ed. Thieme; 2020.