Origin
Fibula, tibia.
Insertion
Unites with the tendon of the gastrocnemius muscle to form the Achilles tendon, which then inserts into the calcaneus bone.
Blood supply
Sural arteries.
Nerve supply
Tibial nerve.
Action
It helps the person in standing, walking, running, and dancing.
Disease/Injury
Injury to soleus muscle occurs mostly during sports and running. It can be relieved by RICE which is rest, ice application, compression, and elevation.
Muscle Exercise
The easiest way to stretch the soleus muscle is the towel stretch. Lie flat on the floor with one leg straight and the other leg with knee bent. Put the towel under the toes of your bent leg and pull up so your leg is in the air and straight. Pull the towel towards your body and at the same time with the help of soleus muscle push the heel towards ceiling. You will feel stretch on the soleus muscle. Hold for 10 seconds and repeat the same on the other leg.
Interesting facts
During ballet dance, soleus muscle is used to rise up on to toes into pointed position.
