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# Soleus tendon

The soleus tendon is the tendon part of the deep calf muscle; it joins the gastrocnemius to form the Achilles tendon.

Official name: Tendon of soleus

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## What it is

The tendon part of the soleus, the deep calf muscle.

## What it does

Joins the Achilles tendon to point the foot.

## Key points

- The fibres of the Achilles tendon twist as they descend, so the [soleus](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/soleus-muscle/) share ends largely on the medial part of the insertion (texts differ in detail)
- Higher up, the soleus has a fibrous arch between the [tibia](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/tibia/) and [fibula](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/fibula/) under which the [popliteal artery](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/popliteal-artery/) and the tibial nerve enter the deep calf
- Soleus strains often involve its aponeuroses, deep in the calf; the pain is lower and more diffuse than in gastrocnemius tears

## Key facts

**Attaches**
Aponeurosis on the back of the soleus that fuses with the gastrocnemius aponeurosis to form the calcaneal (Achilles) tendon, on the middle of the posterior calcaneus

**Function**
Plantarflexion whatever the knee position (main plantarflexor in standing and slow walking); its contraction drives the calf muscle pump

**Tight in**
Ankle dorsiflexion with the knee flexed

## Relations

**Superficial**
Gastrocnemius aponeurosis, with the [plantaris tendon](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/tendon-of-plantaris/) between them

**Deep**
Deep transverse fascia, then the deep compartment: [tibialis posterior](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/tibialis-posterior-muscle/), [flexor digitorum longus](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/flexor-digitorum-longus/), [flexor hallucis longus](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/flexor-hallucis-longus/), [posterior tibial artery](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/posterior-tibial-artery/) and [tibial nerve](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/tibial-nerve/)

**Below**
Merges into the [Achilles tendon](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/calcaneal-tendon/); Kager's fat pad lies in front of the tendon above the [calcaneus](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/calcaneus/)

## How to find it

Rising onto tiptoe with the knees bent brings out the soleus on each side below the gastrocnemius; its flat aponeurosis is felt where the calf narrows into the Achilles tendon.

## Examination

- Silfverskiöld test: ankle dorsiflexion is measured with the knee straight and bent; if it improves with the knee bent, the tightness is in the gastrocnemius; if it stays limited, the soleus and Achilles tendon are tight

## On imaging

On ultrasound and MRI its aponeurosis is a dark band deep to the gastrocnemius; soleus strains are often centred on the central or side aponeuroses and are easier to see on MRI.

## Clinical notes

- Surgical lengthening for a tight calf is chosen by level: gastrocnemius recession spares the soleus, while Achilles tendon lengthening affects both
- Tears where the soleus aponeurosis joins the Achilles tendon (a musculotendinous injury) are usually treated without surgery, unlike some ruptures within the tendon itself

## Related conditions

- [Achilles Tendinopathy](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/achilles-tendinopathy/)

## Test yourself

Think of the answer, then tap the question to see it.

## How does the Silfverskiöld test tell soleus tightness from gastrocnemius tightness?

If dorsiflexion improves with the knee bent, the gastrocnemius is tight; if it stays limited, the soleus and Achilles are tight.

## What does the soleus aponeurosis form, and where does it insert?

It fuses with the gastrocnemius aponeurosis to form the calcaneal (Achilles) tendon, on the middle of the posterior calcaneus.

## What passes under the fibrous arch of the soleus?

The popliteal artery and the tibial nerve, entering the deep calf.

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Educational information, not medical advice. For any symptom, see a health professional.

## Its names

**Official Latin (TA2)**
musculus soleus TA2 2660

**Official Spanish (DeCS)**
Tendón del sóleo DeCS D013710

**English (TA2)**
Tendon of soleus

## Related

- [Achilles tendon](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/calcaneal-tendon/)
- [Soleus](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/soleus-muscle/)
- [Fibula](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/fibula/)

Sources: Terminologia Anatomica (TA2); [DeCS](https://decs.bvsalud.org/es/ths/resource/?id=14088); [Anatomy, Bony Pelvis and Lower Limb: Calf](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459362/); [Anatomy, Bony Pelvis and Lower Limb: Leg Posterior Compartment](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537340/).

## **Spotted a mistake?** We are always improving for the community. Tell us what is wrong and our team will review it. Report a mistake

Representative model, for educational purposes only.

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Source: https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/tendon-of-soleus/
License: CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Cite as: DurgiPedia (durgical.com), https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/tendon-of-soleus/