The soleus is predominantly slow-twitch (type I), making it the primary postural plantarflexor. Unlike gastrocnemius, it acts only at the ankle. The Silfverskiold test distinguishes gastrocnemius from soleus tightness.
An expanded entry for Soleus.
| Origin | Posterior fibular head and neck; Soleal line of the tibia and posterior tibia below |
|---|---|
| Insertion | Calcaneus via Achilles tendon, deep component |
| Nerve Supply | Tibial nerve (S1, S2) |
| Blood Supply | Sural arteries and posterior tibial artery |
| Actions |
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|---|
It plantarflexes the ankle and is the main postural muscle of the calf, preventing the body from falling forward when standing and helping pump venous blood back to the heart.
Isolated soleus contracture requires a different surgical release from gastrocnemius recession (intramuscular lengthening). Soleus tears occur in middle-aged athletes. The medial soleus is most commonly involved, mimicking DVT.
The deep posterior calf belly, palpable below gastrocnemius with knee flexed.
Partial soleus tear producing acute posteromedial calf pain mimicking DVT, distinguished by ultrasound and managed conservatively.
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