Gastrocnemius
Body region：Lower leg
Calf cramps, tightness, pain when rising onto the toes
Function
Two heads originate from the femoral condyles and insert at the calcaneus via the Achilles tendon. Plantarflexes the ankle and assists knee flexion.
Common causes
Standing for long periods, wearing high heels, lack of stretching after exercise, or insufficient water and electrolytes.
Massage and stretching
- Push from the ankle toward the knee
- Wall calf stretch
Related acupoints
- Chengshan (BL57)：Midline of the back of the lower leg, in the fork-shaped depression below the two calf muscle bellies
- Weizhong (BL40)：Midpoint of the crease at the back of the knee
Related meridians
Bladder Meridian of Foot-Taiyang
Posture and muscle patterns
When to see a doctor：One-sided calf swelling, heat or pain may indicate a blood clot: seek medical care immediately.