Discover Your Second Heart.

The soleus is a very deep muscle located beneath the gastrocnemius muscles and extending to the back of the foot, where it joins the Achilles tendon. It plays a vital role in the vascular system, so much so that it can be considered the "second heart." Its contraction and relaxation are very powerful, and every time we move, it helps promote venous return in the lower parts of the legs. Therefore, when the soleus and adductor muscles are restricted or tight, venous return can be affected. This can lead to cold feet, migraines, and even headaches.

Related to this issue, there are certain situations where the soleus cannot function properly, and the resulting side effects can be concerning. When the soleus, due to inactivity or constriction, is not working correctly, blood can pool and clot in the lower extremities. This can lead to deep vein thrombosis. Therefore, to enjoy an active and healthy life, it is essential to understand what the soleus muscle is and how to activate it with active exercises (which is highly recommended) or passive exercises, such as using compression stockings and tight bandages to help improve venous return, or activating it with an electrostimulator device.