GENERAL INFORMATION
The Flexor Digitorum Profundus is a deep muscle located in the anterior compartment of the forearm. It plays a crucial role in flexing the distal interphalangeal joints (DIP joints) of the fingers. It also assists in wrist flexion.
ORIGIN
This muscle originates from two points:
- Proximal three-fourths of the ulna (one of the two forearm bones)
- Interosseous membrane, a fibrous membrane between the ulna and radius
INSERTION POINT
It inserts onto the distal phalanges of the four fingers (index, middle, ring, and little fingers).
MAJOR ARTERIES
The Flexor Digitorum Profundus muscle receives its blood supply from branches of the ulnar artery.
NEURAL INNERVATION
The anterior interosseous branch of the median nerve and the ulnar nerve innervate this muscle. Both of which originate from the brachial plexus.
TRIGGER POINT
Trigger points in the Flexor Digitorum Profundus muscle may cause pain as well as discomfort in the forearm and hand, specifically along the course of the muscle.
CONCENTRIC FUNCTION
The concentric function of the Flexor Digitorum Profundus muscle involves the contraction of its muscle fibres, resulting in flexion of the DIP joints. This action allows for finger-gripping and grasping actions.
ECCENTRIC FUNCTION
The eccentric function of this muscle occurs when the muscle fibres lengthen under tension. This process aids in controlling the extension of the DIP joints during finger extension movements.
ISOMETRIC FUNCTION
Isometric contractions of the Flexor Digitorum Profundus muscle involve generating tension without changing its length. These contractions help stabilise the fingers during activities that require a static hold or resistance.
RELATED MUSCLE SCIENTIFIC NAMES
There are no directly related muscle scientific names to list under this category for this muscle.
ANTAGONIST MUSCLES
- Extensor Digitorum: Extends the fingers and the wrist, countering the flexion action of the Flexor Digitorum Profundus.
- Extensor Digiti Minimi: Extends the little finger, opposing the flexion provided by the Flexor Digitorum Profundus.
COMMON INJURIES
- Flexor Tendon Strain: Overuse or excessive loading of this muscle, leading to strain or tendon damage. It may cause pain and reduced function.
- Tendonitis: Inflammation or irritation of the Flexor Digitorum Profundus tendon, commonly occurring at its insertion point or along the course of the tendon. It may result in pain and swelling.
EXERCISES
- Finger curls with resistance bands or weights: Hold a resistance band or weight and curl the fingers towards the palm, targeting the Flexor Digitorum Profundus. Strengthens finger flexion.
- Grip strengthening exercises: Squeeze a grip strengthener or stress ball, enhancing overall grip strength and finger flexor muscles.
- Wrist flexion exercises with added finger flexion: Perform wrist curls while flexing the fingers simultaneously, also engaging both the wrist and finger flexor muscles.
- Hand squeezes or grip trainers: Use grip trainers to repeatedly squeeze and release, improving the strength and endurance of the Flexor Digitorum Profundus.
- Finger abduction and adduction exercises: Use resistance bands to spread and close fingers, enhancing the coordination and strength of the hand muscles.
STRETCHES
- Finger and hand stretches: Spread the fingers wide and hold, then bring them together, repeating to increase flexibility and reduce tension.
- Wrist flexor stretch: Extend the arm forward, palm up, and gently pull the fingers back with the other hand to stretch the wrist flexors.
- Forearm stretch: Extend the arm with the palm facing down and gently pull back on the hand to stretch the forearm muscles.
- Finger extension stretch: Extend the fingers and hold them straight, then gently pull back with the other hand to stretch the finger flexors.
- Wrist extension stretch: Extend the arm forward, palm down, and gently pull the fingers back with the other hand to stretch the wrist extensors.