Which condition is described as a soleus strain?

Which condition is described as a soleus strain?

• A. Gastrocnemius Strain
• B. Soleus Strain
• C. Plantar Fasciitis
• D. Achilles Tendinopathy

Answer: (B)

Differentiating calf injuries by which muscle is involved and how knee position affects activation is what this item tests. The soleus is the deeper calf muscle that lies under the gastrocnemius and becomes the primary plantarflexor when the knee is bent, since the gastrocnemius crosses the knee. A soleus strain occurs from overload or a forceful push-off when the knee is flexed, leading to pain and tenderness in the lower part of the calf where the soleus is located. This is distinct from a gastrocnemius strain, which tends to involve the upper calf and is more common with movements requiring a straight knee. Plantar fasciitis causes heel pain under the foot rather than in the calf, especially with the first steps after rest, and Achilles tendinopathy involves the tendon at the back of the ankle. Therefore, the described condition is a soleus strain, the injury localized to the deep calf muscle activated with the knee flexed during plantarflexion.

Differentiating calf injuries by which muscle is involved and how knee position affects activation is what this item tests. The soleus is the deeper calf muscle that lies under the gastrocnemius and becomes the primary plantarflexor when the knee is bent, since the gastrocnemius crosses the knee. A soleus strain occurs from overload or a forceful push-off when the knee is flexed, leading to pain and tenderness in the lower part of the calf where the soleus is located. This is distinct from a gastrocnemius strain, which tends to involve the upper calf and is more common with movements requiring a straight knee. Plantar fasciitis causes heel pain under the foot rather than in the calf, especially with the first steps after rest, and Achilles tendinopathy involves the tendon at the back of the ankle. Therefore, the described condition is a soleus strain, the injury localized to the deep calf muscle activated with the knee flexed during plantarflexion.