Many different muscles are located in the lower leg between the knee and the ankle.
Some of the main ones include:
This article describes the anatomy of the lower leg muscles.
It covers where they’re located and what they do.
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The tibia is stronger and more prominent than the fibula.
It is located toward the middle of the lower leg.
The fibula, or calf bone, is smaller and located on the lower leg’s outside.
Theanterior tibial, posterior tibial, and fibular arteries are responsible for blood supply to the lower leg.
The lower leg makes up a large portion of an individual’s overall body weight.
Common conditions that affect the lower leg includestress fractures,compartment syndrome,shin splints, and muscle tears.
These muscles pull the toes and feet upward, a process known asdorsiflexion.
The tibialis anterior also assists in turning the foot inward.
Lateral Compartment
The lateral compartment is along the outside of the lower leg.
It contains theperoneus longusandperoneus brevismuscles.
These muscles pull the toes and feet outward.
They also help with pointing the foot, orplantar flexion.
This compartment also contains theplantaris muscle.
The gastrocnemius is shorter, thicker and has two inner and outer attachments.
It is the most visible of the calf muscles.
The soleus lies underneath.
These three muscles attach to the Achilles tendon, and they all aid with plantar flexion.
Deep Posterior Compartment
The deep posterior compartment lies deep within the back of the lower leg.
It includes the tibialis posterior, the flexor digitorum longus and the flexor hallucis longus.
All three aid in plantar flexion.
Frequently Asked Questions
There are a number of issues that can cause lower leg pain.
These include:
Not moving enough can cause muscles to tighten, but so can overtraining.
Calf muscles may also become extremely tight if you have plantar fasciitis.
Cantrell AJ, Imonugo O, Varacallo M.Anatomy, bony pelvis and lower limb, leg bones.
2013;34(1):42-48. doi:10.1177%2F1071100712459173
