Popliteus

The Popliteus is a deep posterior muscle of the leg.

Anatomical Attachments:

• Origin: Attaches to the lateral condyle of femur and the popliteal ligament of the knee.
• Insertion: Attaches to the proximal tibia.

Action: Flexes the leg and rotates the tibia medially at the beginning of a flexion effort.

Synergist: Medial Hamstrings, Sartorius, and Gracilis.

Antagonist: Biceps femoris.

Nerve Supply: Tibial nerve (L5, S1).

Vascular supply: Popliteal artery.

• Primary: The pain refers to the popliteal fossa.
• Satellite or associated triggers: Gastrocnemius, Plantaris.

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Trigger Point Signs and Symptoms: Complaints of pain in the back of the knee when squatting, walking, jogging, etc.

Trigger Point Activating and Perpetuating Factors: Playing basketball or baseball, jogging on uneven ground.

Differential Diagnosis: (Segmental, Subluxation, Somatic dysfunction) S1 radiculopathy, Popliteus tendinitis, Tenosynovitis, Popliteal artery aneurysm, Baker’s cyst, Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), Avulsion of popliteus tendon, Popliteal lymphadema, Systemic infections or inflammation, Nutritional inadequacy, Metabolic imbalance, Toxicity, Side effects of medication.

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