Written by: Carles Pedret, Stefano Palermi, Sandra Mechó, Gulraiz Ahmad, and Justin C. Lee.
Calf injuries are among the most common musculoskeletal issues in sports, particularly affecting amateur athletes due to frequent engagement in activities requiring explosive lower-limb movements.
These injuries often involve the triceps surae complex, a key functional unit comprising the medial and lateral gastrocnemius, the soleus, and their distal extension into the Achilles tendon. Understanding the anatomy and interplay of these structures is critical for accurate diagnosis, effective management, and minimizing return-to-play (RTP) time.