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The gastrocnemius muscle is at the back of the thigh bone just above the back of the knee. Halfway down the calf, it joins a second muscle called the soleus.
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The soleus muscle runs along the back of the calf. The combination of this and the gastrocnemius muscle is responsible for the movement of the ankle so that the foot can be pointed downward. Both of these muscles act a bit like shock absorbers. They provide support when the foot comes back down to the ground from running and jumping.
- The Achilles tendon adjoins the soleus muscle from halfway down the calf to the bottom of the heel. This muscle adds a propelling feature. When combined with the first two, it helps to propel the body to jump and run. Without this muscle, standing on tiptoe would be impossible.
- The pernoeal tendons are responsible for lifting the foot and twisting the ankle. They are behind the fibula and run along the calf. They are also responsible for the outward movement of the foot.
- The medial tendons are in back of the medial malleolus, which is the bony part that we call our ankles that sticks out on each side. The medial tendons support the arch and certain movements of the foot.
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Ligaments are important in the restricted movement of the ankle. The names of these ligaments are anterior talofibular, calcaneofibular and deltoid. They work together to keep the ankle and foot within normal limits.
