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    Soleus Muscle

    What is the soleus muscle?

    The soleus muscle is a broad, flat and powerful muscle located in the calf region of the leg, just behind the gastrocnemius muscle. It is primarily responsible for plantar flexion of the ankle, and also assists in knee flexion. It is essential in activities such as walking, running, and climbing stairs. (1)

    Origin, insertion and function

    Origin:

    The soleus muscle originates on the head of the fibula and the upper two-thirds of the medial surface of the tibia.

    Insertion:

    It inserts on the posterior surface of the calcaneus via the Achilles tendon

    Function:

    The soleus muscle is primarily responsible for plantar flexion of the ankle, and also assists in knee flexion. It is often used in activities such as walking, running, and climbing stairs.

    Soleus muscle gray's anatomy
    Soleus Muscle

    Common signs of weak soleus muscles

    Signs that your soleus muscle may be weak include:

    • Difficulty standing on one leg or maintaining balance
    • Fatigue or cramping in the calf muscles during activities such as walking or running
    • Difficulty performing exercises that involve plantar flexion of the ankle, such as calf raises
    • Anterior knee pain during activities that involve knee flexion, such as stair climbing
    • Flat feet or an excessive arch in the foot
    • Inability to perform movements that require a strong and stable ankle, such as jumping or hopping.

    Exercises that strengthen the soleus muscle

    Exercises that make the Soleus muscle stronger include:

    Calf raises:
    • Stand with your feet hip-width apart, with your toes pointing forward
    • Slowly rise up onto the balls of your feet, lifting your heels off the ground
    • Hold for a moment at the top, then slowly lower back down
    • Repeat for the desired number of reps
    Seated calf raises:
    • Sit with your feet flat on the floor and your knees bent
    • Slowly raise your heels off the ground, lifting your toes up
    • Hold for a moment at the top, then slowly lower back down
    • Repeat for the desired number of reps
    Single-leg calf raises:
    • Stand on one leg, with the other leg slightly behind you
    • Slowly rise up onto the ball of your foot, lifting your heel off the ground
    • Hold for a moment at the top, then slowly lower back down
    • Repeat for the desired number of reps, then switch legs
    Step-ups:
    • Stand in front of a step or platform that is about knee height
    • Step up onto the step with one foot, bringing the other foot up to meet it
    • Step back down with the same foot, then repeat for the desired number of reps
    • Switch legs and repeat

    Note: It is important to use proper form and not to overdo it, especially if you are new to exercising or have any pre-existing conditions. It is always recommended to consult a doctor or physical therapist before starting any new exercise routine.

    References:

    1. Jones J, Knipe H, Kumar K, et al. Soleus muscle. Reference article, Radiopaedia.org (Accessed on 18 Jan 2023) https://doi.org/10.53347/rID-6025