Muscles of the lower leg

The gastrocnemius and the soleus muscles

● A small muscle in the back of the lower leg ● It is situated between the gastrocnemius and the soleus ● This muscle is also responsible for plantar flexion just like the gastrocnemius and soleus muscle ● The plantar flexion enables the top of the foot to: point away from the leg, eg tip toe

Muscles of the foot

● Extensors- These help raise the toes upwards these include the extensor digitorum longus and the extensor digitorum brevis ● Flexors- These help the toes curl inward and are called the flexor digitorum longus and the flexor hallucis longus

Gastrocnemius/Soleus muscle

● The gastrocnemius muscle is located at the back of the leg and makes up part of the calf muscle along with the soleus muscle and runs from the back of the knee to the heel. ● The soleus muscle is a flat muscle that lies underneath the gastrocnemius ● The gastrocnemius muscle flexes when walking and flexing the knee ● The gastrocnemius and the soleus muscle are attached to the achilles tendon which is the strongest and thickest tendon in the body ● This achilles tendon connects the heel to the ankle and runs down the centre of the leg. ● The gastrocnemius and the soleus muscles allow the toes to point down.

Tibialis muscle

● These are found on the front and back sides of the lower leg ● These muscles are responsible for plantar flexion and dorsiflexion ● Dorsiflexion means the backward bending of the hand or foot and enables the extension of the foot at the ankle to enables you to draw your toes back towards your shin ● This is found in the shin area of your leg and this is where you can suffer with shin splints whilst running