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( calves )

General Anatomy
The Calf Muscles refer symptoms with surprisingly far-reaching in effect.

The calf has two powerful connections into the bottom ends of the thigh bone –the condyles.

Noteworthy about the calf is their crossover with the lower hamstrings, giving calf a near direct line of pull on the pelvis as the hamstrings insert into the bottom on the pelvis.

The calf tapers down into the thick Achilles tendon inserting into the heel bone as well as tendons making their way into the foot.

When It’s Squishy
the calf stabilizes and steadies the hip, knee and foot! Calve mobility is critical for lower leg circulation. The fleshiness of the calves makes it a major shock absorber. Utililizing hamstring as a hotline to the core, the calf initiates core strength.

When Not Squishy
the Calf becomes WHOOPING CALF. Lower leg and foot swelling is common with foot, knee and back pain. WHOOPING CALF captures and transfers less energy to the core decreasing quickness and balance.

Getting Whooping Calf

Past Trauma –old injuries and pulls leave remnant marks from past internal bleeding – at the past injury, the muscle had to tightly constrict to stop inner bleeding and the constriction lingered on as habit

Overuse Injury Active Overuse –Calve (along with gluteals and quadriceps) is one the great fleshy decelerators; stopping from a run and descending stairs blast the calve. Look for Whooping Calve to cause shin splints as the shin muscles work double time with an overly tight calve

Passive Overuse –the calve is taxed greatly as a stabilizer for prolonged standing and maintaining balance at the kitchen sink, in a museum, etc.

Repetitive Stress –Running and walking (uphill especially) as the Whooping Calve culprits as the calve also controls movements of the feet, ankle and toes

Disuse Injury –Again, sitting and sleeping with associated lack of movement cause muscle fibers to literally begin sticking to themselves building up small traumas and Whooping Calve

Emotional State -postures of stress, grief and sadness increase muscle tension all over the body and contribute to Whooping Calve

Trauma Begets Trauma –Whooping Calve leads to more Whooping Calve as moderately effected gait causes a moderate adaptation eventually overloading and traumatizing other parts of the calve