Triceps Surae Muscle Group

Authors

Affiliations

Nate Yomogida, PT, DPT

Doctor of Physical Therapy

B.S. in Kinesiology

Chloë Kerstein, PT, DPT

Doctor of Physical Therapy

B.A. in Neuroscience

• Gastrocnemius
• Soleus

Table 1: Triceps Surae Muscle Group

Muscle	Origin	Insertion	Innervation	Action
Gastrocnemius	Superior-posterior aspect of Medial Femoral Condyle Lateral surface of Lateral Femoral Condyle	Calcaneal tuberosity via Achilles' Tendon	Tibial n. S1 - S2	TCJ: PF Knee: Flexion
Soleus	Posterior Fibula Posterior Tibia	Calcaneal tuberosity via Achilles' Tendon	Tibial n. S1 - S2	TCJ: PF Lower leg: Stabilization

• Since the gastrocnemius is a biarticular muscle, its ability to plantarflex is influenced by the knee position.
  • When the knee is extended, the gastrocnemius is lengthened and is more efficient at plantarflexion.
  • When the knee is flexed the gastrocnemius is shortened and becomes less efficient while plantarflexing.
• Conversely, the soleus is a monoarticular muscle, so its length-tension curve is only affected by the ankle’s position.

Stretch

• 3D Calf Stretch