What is a Soleus Strain?
A soleus strain is an injury to the soleus muscle, one of the two major muscles in the calf. This muscle lies deep beneath the gastrocnemius, the more prominent calf muscle visible just under the skin. While both muscles help with plantarflexion (pointing the toes downward), the soleus plays a key role in endurance activities like walking, jogging, or standing for long periods.
A strain occurs when the muscle is overstretched or torn, often due to overuse, poor flexibility, or a sudden increase in physical activity.
Soleus vs. Gastrocnemius Strains
- Soleus strains tend to develop gradually and result in deep, aching pain, especially with prolonged use.
- Gastrocnemius strains are usually more acute and sudden, often caused by explosive movements like jumping or sprinting.
Anatomy of the Calf Muscle
The calf complex is made up of:
- Gastrocnemius: the larger, superficial muscle with two heads that crosses both the knee and ankle joints. It contributes to powerful movements like jumping.
- Soleus: a deeper, broader muscle that lies beneath the gastrocnemius. It attaches to the Achilles tendon and is primarily active during slow, endurance movements like walking or balancing.
Both muscles work together to propel the body forward, stabilize the ankle, and assist in pushing off the ground.
Causes of Soleus Muscle Strain
Soleus strains can result from:
- Overuse or repetitive strain, especially in runners or athletes who increase mileage too quickly
- Sudden change in activity level or intensity
- Inadequate warm-up or poor flexibility
- Fatigue, which reduces muscle efficiency
- Improper footwear or biomechanics, such as overpronation
Unlike gastrocnemius injuries, soleus strains often appear gradually and are associated with repetitive loading over time.
Soleus Muscle Strain Symptoms
Common symptoms include:
- Deep, aching pain in the lower calf, especially during or after exercise
- Stiffness or tightness in the back of the leg
- Pain that increases with prolonged standing or uphill walking
- Tenderness when pressing into the lower calf muscle
- Swelling or mild bruising in more severe cases
- Pain when rising onto the toes or doing a heel raise
Symptoms are often less sharp than those of a gastrocnemius strain but can be more persistent if untreated.
Treatment of Soleus Strain
Initial Treatment:
- Rest and reduced weight-bearing activity
- Ice to reduce swelling and discomfort
- Compression with a wrap or sleeve
- Elevation of the leg to minimize inflammation
- Anti-inflammatory medications, if recommended
Rehabilitation:
- Gentle stretching of the calf once pain subsides
- Progressive strengthening exercises targeting the soleus
- Eccentric heel drops, resistance band work, and balance training
- Gradual return to activity, avoiding high-impact sports until fully healed
Most mild-to-moderate soleus strains heal within a few weeks with conservative care. Severe tears may require physical therapy or longer recovery periods.
FAQs
A healthcare provider will perform a physical exam, checking for tenderness and pain during resistant plantarflexion with the knee bent (which isolates the soleus). In some cases, imaging like an ultrasound or MRI may be ordered to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other injuries.
See a doctor if pain persists beyond a few days, you notice swelling, bruising, or significant weakness, you’re unable to walk or bear weight comfortably, or the pain interferes with daily activities or worsens over time.
Recovery depends on the severity of the strain and adherence to rest and rehab.
– Mild strains: 1–2 weeks
– Moderate strains: 3–6 weeks
– Severe strains: 6–10 weeks or more
Running on a strained soleus is not recommended, especially during the acute phase. Doing so can worsen the injury and delay healing. Return to running should only begin when you’re pain-free with walking, stretching, and light strengthening
Warm up properly before exercise, stretch regularly, especially after workouts, strengthen both the soleus and gastrocnemius muscles, sse proper footwear that supports your foot mechanics, and avoid sudden increases in intensity or duration of activity.
