GENERAL INFORMATION
The superficial muscles of the lower limb are a group of muscles located close to the surface of the leg. They contribute to the overall function and movement of the lower limb, including actions such as knee extension, hip flexion as well as ankle plantar flexion.
ORIGIN
The specific origins of the leg superficial muscles may vary, but generally, they originate from various locations in the hip and thigh region.
INSERTION POINT
The leg’s superficial muscles are inserted into different structures in the lower limb, such as bones as well as tendons, to create movement and stability. The insertion points depend on the specific muscle.
MAJOR ARTERIES
The leg superficial muscles of the lower limb receive their blood supply from various arteries, including the femoral artery, as well as its branches, such as the deep femoral artery.
NEURAL INNERVATION
The leg superficial muscles of the lower limb are innervated by different nerves, including the femoral nerve, obturator nerve as well as sciatic nerve. These nerves provide both motor innervation for muscle contraction as well as sensory innervation for transmitting sensations from the lower limb.
TRIGGER POINT
Trigger points may develop in the leg’s superficial muscles of the lower limb, causing localised pain, tenderness as well as referred pain patterns. These trigger points can be associated with muscle overuse, strain, or postural imbalances.
CONCENTRIC FUNCTION
The leg superficial muscles of the lower limb contract concentrically to generate force during specific movements. For instance, their actions include knee extension, hip flexion, and ankle plantar flexion, among others.
ECCENTRIC FUNCTION
During controlled movement and deceleration, the superficial muscles of the lower limb function eccentrically to control the speed and force of the movement. Consequently, this eccentric contraction helps maintain stability and prevent excessive joint motion.
ISOMETRIC FUNCTION
The leg superficial muscles of the lower limb can contract isometrically to provide stability and support to the joints during weight-bearing activities and maintain proper alignment.
RELATED MUSCLE-SCIENTIFIC NAMES
- Rectus femoris (Musculus rectus femoris): This muscle is part of the quadriceps group and extends the knee and flexes the hip.
- Vastus lateralis (Musculus vastus lateralis): Another quadriceps muscle that extends the knee and is located on the lateral side of the thigh.
- Vastus medialis (Musculus vastus medialis): Located medially in the thigh, it extends the knee and stabilises the patella.
- Vastus intermedius (Musculus vastus intermedius): Positioned between the vastus lateralis and vastus medialis, it also contributes to knee extension.
- Sartorius (Musculus sartorius): The longest muscle in the human body, it assists in hip flexion, abduction, and lateral rotation, as well as knee flexion.
- Gracilis (Musculus gracilis): Located in the medial thigh, it assists in hip adduction and knee flexion.
ANTAGONIST
- The antagonists to the leg superficial muscles of the lower limb are muscles with opposing actions. For example, the antagonist to the quadriceps femoris muscles is the hamstring muscles.
COMMON INJURIES
- Muscle strains or tears: Damage to leg superficial muscle fibres caused by overstretching or excessive force.
- Tendinitis or tendon injuries: Inflammation or injury of the tendons, often due to overuse.
- Overuse injuries: Injuries resulting from repetitive strain or excessive activity.
- Muscle imbalances leading to joint pain or dysfunction: Imbalances between muscle groups can cause improper joint function and pain.
EXERCISES
- Squats: Strengthen the quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes by lowering the body into a seated position and then standing back up.
- Lunges: Target the quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes by stepping forward into a lunge position and then returning to the starting position.
- Leg presses: Using a leg press machine, push against resistance to strengthen the quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes.
- Leg extensions: Isolate the quadriceps by extending the legs against resistance on a leg extension machine.
- Step-ups: Step onto an elevated platform and then back down to strengthen the quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes.
STRETCHES
- Standing quadriceps stretch: Pull the heel towards the glutes while standing to stretch the front of the thigh.
- Standing hamstring stretch: Bend forward at the hips while keeping the legs straight to stretch the back of the thigh.
- Standing calf stretch: Lean against a wall with one leg extended back and the heel on the ground to stretch the calf.
- Hip flexor stretch: Lunge forward with one leg while keeping the back leg straight to stretch the hip flexors.
- Inner thigh stretch: Sit with the soles of the feet together and gently press the knees down to stretch the inner thighs.