***if you are getting a chronically wound up popliteus muscle it can indicate that the structures inside the knee are compromised.
In this case, DEFINITELY get your knee assessed!
Hip, ankle and foot mechanics need to be addressed in addition to knee assessment when there are knee issues. These areas need to be appropriately rehabilitated in order to prevent potential ligament ruptures in the future.
Start slowly and gently.
Do not sustain pressure on the popliteus muscle if you feel a pulsing sensation (you are on the artery).
Dull aching in the middle of the calf (usually lower down the calf than the popliteus muscle, combined with swelling of the lower leg needs to be assessed by a doctor due to potential of DVT (deep vein thrombosis) this can be life ending.