GENERAL INFORMATION
The Flexor Carpi Ulnaris is a muscle located in the anterior compartment of the forearm. It plays a major role in flexing and adducting the wrist as well as stabilising it during gripping actions.
ORIGIN
This muscle originates from two points:
- Humeral head: Originates from the medial epicondyle of the humerus (bony prominence on the inner side of the elbow).
- Ulnar head: Originates from the olecranon process as well as the posterior border of the ulna (one of the two forearm bones).
INSERTION POINT
It inserts onto the pisiform bone and the hook of the hamate bone, both located in the wrist.
MAJOR ARTERIES
The Flexor Carpi Ulnaris muscle receives its blood supply from branches of the ulnar artery.
NEURAL INNERVATION
This muscle is primarily innervated by the ulnar nerve, which originates from the brachial plexus.
TRIGGER POINT
Trigger points in this muscle may cause pain as well as discomfort in the forearm, wrist, as well as hand.
CONCENTRIC FUNCTION
The concentric function of the Flexor Carpi Ulnaris muscle involves the contraction of its muscle fibres. It also results in flexion and adduction of the wrist. It also plays a role in movements such as wrist flexion as well as ulnar deviation.
ECCENTRIC FUNCTION
The eccentric function of this muscle occurs when the muscle fibres lengthen under tension. It also aids in controlling the extension as well as radial deviation of the wrist.
ISOMETRIC FUNCTION
The isometric function of this muscle involves contracting as well as generating tension without changing its length. This function helps stabilise the wrist joint during activities that require a static hold as well as resistance.
RELATED MUSCLE SCIENTIFIC NAMES
There are no directly related muscle scientific names to list under this category for the Flexor Carpi Ulnaris.
ANTAGONIST MUSCLES
- Extensor Carpi Ulnaris: Extends and adducts the wrist, opposing the flexion and adduction actions of the Flexor Carpi Ulnaris.
- Extensor Carpi Radialis Brevis: Extends and abducts the wrist, counteracting the actions of the Flexor Carpi Ulnaris.
COMMON INJURIES
- Tendinitis: Inflammation and irritation of this tendon, commonly occurring at its insertion point and along the course of the tendon. They cause pain and reduced wrist function.
- Ulnar Tunnel Syndrome: Compression and irritation of the ulnar nerve as it passes through the ulnar tunnel, which may indirectly affect the Flexor Carpi Ulnaris muscle, leading to pain, tingling, and weakness in the forearm and hand.
EXERCISES
- Wrist curls: Hold a dumbbell with the palm facing up, rest your forearm on a bench, and curl your wrist upward to strengthen the Flexor Carpi Ulnaris. Enhances wrist flexion strength.
- Wrist flexion exercises: Use a dumbbell or resistance band to perform wrist flexion movements. They target the Flexor Carpi Ulnaris and improve wrist stability.
- Wrist adduction exercises: Hold a dumbbell with the palm facing up and move the wrist towards the ulna, engaging the Flexor Carpi Ulnaris for wrist adduction.
- Grip strengthening exercises: Squeeze a grip strengthener or stress ball, focusing on the muscles of the forearm, including the Flexor Carpi Ulnaris, to improve overall grip strength.
- Forearm pronation and supination exercises: Hold a dumbbell and rotate the forearm from palm-up to palm-down and vice versa, targeting the pronator and supinator muscles for forearm strength and flexibility.
STRETCHES
- Wrist flexor stretch: Extend the arm forward, palm up, and gently pull the fingers back with the other hand to stretch the wrist flexors, including the Flexor Carpi Ulnaris.
- Wrist extensor stretch: Extend the arm with the palm facing down and gently pull the fingers back with the other hand to stretch the wrist extensors.
- Ulnar deviation stretch: Hold the arm out with the palm facing down, gently move the wrist towards the ulna to stretch the Flexor Carpi Ulnaris and other ulnar deviators.
- Wrist and forearm stretch with fingers interlaced: Interlace the fingers, extend the arms, and gently press the palms outward to stretch the wrist and forearm muscles.
- Ulnar nerve glide exercises: Perform specific movements to mobilise and stretch the ulnar nerve, reducing compression and irritation in the ulnar tunnel.