Whilst there are many muscles located in the lower leg, the following are the most relevant:
- The muscles that make up the calf – the gastrocnemius and soleus are the most powerful muscles of the lower leg.
- The anterior tibialis is on the front lower leg (related to shin splints), and dorsi flexes the foot (bends ankle) and inverts the foot (turns sole inwards).
- The gastrocnemius plantar flexes the foot (points the toe) and pushes the body forward when in motion.
- The soleus plantar flexes the foot and maintains standing position. The Achilles tendonis located in the lower leg.
Here are some definitions of the terminology:
- Plantar flex – the action of the gastrocnemius muscle that helps to point the foot down.
- Dorsi flex – the action of the anterior tibialis that makes the heel go down and the toes point up.