Lower leg

what is the usage of the lower leg/ calf, foot... while swimming/kicking? I get the feeling that its not much because i can somewhat feel it... I guess the quads and hams do most of the job and the calves seem to kind of "hang off". Anyone who knows this topic I ll be glad to read his comment I have very good reason for asking this... because i have problems that indirecly affect the walking pattern/ gait/ locomotion on land so i need to know the use of muscles in water etc... And is this conected to cramping/ which almost always hapend in calf while swimming?Any clue? Nevermind the second question... the first part of the post is more important for me Thank you