Triceps surae muscle

The triceps surae muscle is a muscle of the leg made up of the union of the gastrocnemius muscles, known as gastrocnemius muscles, and the soleus, which are inserted together on the calcaneus of the foot by the calcaneus tendon, commonly known as the Achilles tendon.

Origin and Insertion

The triceps surae is connected to the foot via the calcaneus tendon, having three heads that derive from the two main masses of the muscle.

• The surface portion (gastrocnemios) emits two heads that originate in the posterior portion of condilos of the femur, above the aductor tuber in the case of the middle head.
• The deep portion (only) originates in the posterior area and medial edge of the tibia, the posterior face of the head of the Peron, areas adjacent to the neck and the tendinous arch between the tibial and peronea inserts.

The triceps surae is innervated by the tibial nerve, specifically, by the L5–S2 nerve roots.

Irrigation and innervation

The triceps surae is innervated by the tibial nerve, specifically, by the L4–S3 nerve roots.

Its blood supply is from the posterior tibial artery.

Function

Its contraction produces plantarflexion and stabilizes the ankle in the transverse plane. Functional activities include primary movements in the sagittal plane during locomotion and jumping. The soleus muscle is the most powerful, being the one that participates the most in the main action.

Achilles tendon rupture

It occurs due to the separation of the calcaneal muscle and tendon. The patient feels a lot of pain in the back of the leg described as the sign of the stone.

The injury occurs during acceleration or change of direction. The muscle may go into spasm and forcefully contract. Plantar flexion occurs. Bruises may appear on the leg, foot, or ankle from internal bleeding. They may take time to appear, from hours to days, depending on where the break occurs. The leg circumference usually increases.

This injury can take several months to heal. It is important not to continue with the exercise if the muscle is torn, since internal bleeding occurs at that time. It is advisable to consult a doctor immediately after the break to begin rehabilitation or perform surgery.

Achilles tendon pain is known as achillodynia, which is defined as painful peritendinitis of the Achilles tendon with overheating, swelling, and functional limitation.