Muscular/ Tendinous Overview
The calcaneus or heel is an important area of the body where many muscles originate and insert.
The Origins and Insertions of the calcaneus are as follows:
Insertion for 3 muscles
- Gastrocnemius (via Achilles Tendon)
- Soleus (via Achilles Tendon)
- Plantaris
Origin for 6 muscles
- extensor digitorum brevis
- extensor hallucis brevis, abductor brevis
- abductor digiti minimi
- flexor digitorum brevis
- quadratus plantae
Since we are focusing on just the Posterior / Medial Heel though we are only going to address the muscles that attach there which leaves the Gastrocnemius, Soleus, and Plantaris.
The mostly commonly injured muscular / tendon structure of the heel is the Achilles Tendon which is the strongest and largest tendon in the body. The Achilles tendon serves as the tendon for both the Soleus and the Gastrocnemius muscles. PROXIMALLY the Achilles tendon is broad and flat – then is becomes more narrow and rounded – until it flattens out when it inserts on the posterior surface of the calcaneus. It's average length is about 15 cm. It allows for plantar flexion of the foot and plays an important role in the gait cycle.
The Plantaris is a deep muscle with a long thin tendon that runs underneath the Gastrocnemius and Soleus. It is very rarely injured by itself so it will not be covered by itself. Its most common injury is associated with an Achilles Rupture.
The mostly commonly injured muscular / tendon structure of the heel is the Achilles Tendon which is the strongest and largest tendon in the body. The Achilles tendon serves as the tendon for both the Soleus and the Gastrocnemius muscles. PROXIMALLY the Achilles tendon is broad and flat – then is becomes more narrow and rounded – until it flattens out when it inserts on the posterior surface of the calcaneus. It's average length is about 15 cm. It allows for plantar flexion of the foot and plays an important role in the gait cycle.
The Plantaris is a deep muscle with a long thin tendon that runs underneath the Gastrocnemius and Soleus. It is very rarely injured by itself so it will not be covered by itself. Its most common injury is associated with an Achilles Rupture.
Muscular/ Tendinous Conditions of Posterior Medial Heel:
- Achilles Tendonitis
- Achilles Tendon Rupture
- Achilles Tendinosis
References:
- Carcia CR, Martin RL, Houck J, Wukich DK. Achilles pain, stiffness, and muscle power deficits: achilles tendinitis. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2010;40(9):A1-26.
- Brotzman S, Manske R, Daugherty K. Clinical Orthopaedic Rehabilitation An Evidence-Based Approach / S. Brent Brotzman, Robert C. Manske ; Managing Editor, Kay Daugherty [e-book]. Philadelphia, PA : Elsevier Mosby, c2011.; 2011. Available from: Library Catalog-Arizona, Ipswich, MA. Accessed July 3, 2014.
Last Edited by: Jason Greenwood , SPT at AT Still University on July 10, 2014