Where it is
Back of the lower leg. Its two heads arise from the femur and join the soleus to form the Achilles (calcaneal) tendon.
What it does
Plantar flexes the foot (standing on tiptoe) and flexes the knee. Contraction of the calf muscles squeezes the deep veins, acting as a pump for venous return.
Clinical relevance
- Immobility stops the calf muscle pump and increases the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
- Unilateral calf swelling, warmth and pain suggest DVT.
Nursing focus
- Encourage ankle pumps and early ambulation; apply sequential compression devices as prescribed.
- Do not massage a calf with suspected DVT.