Clinical Significance
The gastrocnemius muscle is prone to spasms, which are painful, involuntary, contractions of the muscle that may last several minutes.
A severe ankle flexion force may result in an injury of the muscle, commonly referred to as a "torn" or "strained" calf muscle, which is acutely painful and disabling.
The gastrocnemius muscle may also become inflamed due to overuse. Anti-inflammatory medications and physical therapy (heat, massage, and stretching) may be useful.
Anatomical abnormalities involving the medial head of gastrocnemius muscle results in popliteal artery entrapment syndrome.
Read more about this topic: Gastrocnemius Muscle
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