Muscle Breakdown: Plantaris
Table of Contents
What Is the Plantaris Muscle
The Plantaris muscle is a muscle in the lower leg. The muscle belly of the Plantaris is small and located behind the knee, superior to the Popliteus. The tendon of the Plantaris muscle is very long and runs down the back of the lower leg. An interesting fact about the Plantaris muscle is that it is absent in about 7-10% of the human population.
Plantaris Cadaver
Plantaris Origin and Insertion
Plantaris Origin
The Plantaris origin is the Lateral Supracondylar Line of the Femur and the Oblique Popliteal Ligament of the knee.
Plantaris Insertion
The insertion of the Plantaris is the Posterior Surface of the Calcaneus, by way of the Calcaneal Tendon.
Plantaris Function
The function of the Plantaris is to weakly assist in both knee flexion and Plantar Flexion of the Foot. Since the Plantaris is considered to be an accessory muscle, the Plantaris tendon is often used for surgical grafts in various ligament or tendon reconstructions.
Plantaris Tendon
The Plantaris Tendon forms part of the Posterosuperfical compartment of the lower leg. It is often mistaken for a nerve due to its length and position along the medial side of the lower leg. Researchers are interested in learning more about the Plantaris Tendon’s relationship to the Achilles Tendon as both insert into the Calcaneous alongside one another, however sometimes when the Achilles Tendon ruptures, the Plantaris Tendon has remained intact.
Plantaris Tendon Rupture
Treatment for a Plantaris Tendon Rupture is conservative and consists of rest, ice, elevation and compression. A tape can also be used to prevent any Plantar Flexion from occurring white the Plantaris Tendon is still healing.
Researchers have found that Plantaris Tendon Rupture can resemble Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT). Therefore medical professionals need to investigate an injury property to determine an accurate diagnosis.
Plantaris Muscle Rupture
Plantaris Muscle Rupture has been referred to as, “Tennis Leg”. This association has been questioned by researchers as Tennis Leg is a clinical condition that is usually composed of multiple tears to muscles in the lower leg. Overall, the research has shown that Tennis Leg can be a result of injury to the Plantaris Muscle on its own, or in combination with other muscles of the Calf.
Treatment for Plantaris Muscle Rupture is also conservative and follows the RICE protocol (rest, ice, compression and elevation). Ultrasound therapy can also be helpful in the recovery process. Depending on the extent of the muscle rupture, immobilization of the lower leg may be required during the initial stages of the recovery process. If this is the case, the use of crutches may be required.
Plantaris Tear
A Plantaris tear is the less severe version of a Plantaris Muscle Rupture. Plantaris tears can be partial (which will have the fastest recovery time) or a full-thickness tear, which is the same as a Plantaris Muscle Rupture.
Plantaris Action
The Plantaris action can be described as a weak flexor of the knee, and a weak plantar flexor of the foot. The Plantaris is considered to be an accessory muscle, so it does not have a significant function.
Plantaris and Popliteus
The Plantaris lies on top of the Popliteus. It is considered to be a vestigial structure so its presence or absence does not have a significant impact on the body.
Plantaris Muscle Tear
As we previously mentioned, a Plantaris Muscle Tear can be considered a Plantaris Tear or a Plantaris Muscle Rupture. In each case, treatment consists of rest, ice, compression and elevation. Your doctor will be able to create a personalized recovery plan as each injury to the Plantaris Muscle is different. Following your treatment plan will result in the best chance of early recovery.
Plantaris Tendon Rupture Recovery Time
Plantaris Tendon Rupture Recovery Time can vary between individuals. Adherence to your recovery plan will result in the fastest recovery time. Any deviation from your recovery plan can result in setbacks and a longer recovery time. Researchers have found that the Plantaris will heal on its own, and its rupture does not typically result in a significant loss of function. In general, Plantaris Tendon Rupture Recovery Time is about 7-8 weeks or longer.
Plantaris Longus
The term, Plantaris Longus is in reference to the Plantaris Tendon. You may come across this term when researching the relationship between the Achilles Tendon and the Plantaris, specifically when examining Achilles Tendinopathy.
Torn Plantaris Muscle
A torn Plantaris Muscle means that the muscle fibers in the muscle belly have ruptured. A torn Plantaris Muscle can occur from jumping or running when an eccentric load is placed on the ankle while the knee is extended. This often occurs in sporting games and events.
Plantaris Exercises
As the Plantaris is an accessory muscle, there are no specific exercises that will primarily strengthen the Plantaris. Instead, exercises that engage and activate the muscles of the lower leg or calf will in turn strengthen the Plantaris. Check out our articles on the Gastrocnemius and Soleus to learn more about exercises that strengthen this muscle group.
Plantaris Stretches
To stretch the Plantaris, perform stretches that will activate the lower leg. This includes stretches such as a Calf Stretch, Calf Stretch on a wall or even the active calf stretch known as Sweeps or Picking Daisies.
