GENERAL INFORMATION
The Flexor Digitorum Superficialis is a muscle located in the anterior compartment of the forearm. It plays a vital role in flexing the fingers and assisting in wrist flexion.
ORIGIN
The Flexor Digitorum Superficialis originates from two points:
- Medial epicondyle of the humerus: Bony prominence on the inner side of the elbow.
- Radius: One of the two forearm bones.
INSERTION POINT
It inserts onto the middle phalanges of the four fingers (index, middle, ring, and little fingers).
MAJOR ARTERIES
This muscle receives its blood supply from branches of the ulnar and radial arteries.
NEURAL INNERVATION
The Flexor Digitorum Superficialis muscle is primarily innervated by the median nerve, which originates from the brachial plexus.
TRIGGER POINT
Trigger points in this muscle may cause pain or discomfort in the forearm and hand.
CONCENTRIC FUNCTION
The concentric function of the Flexor Digitorum Superficialis muscle involves the contraction of its muscle fibres. It may result in flexion of the four fingers. It assists in grasping and gripping activities.
ECCENTRIC FUNCTION
The eccentric function of this muscle occurs when the muscle fibres lengthen under tension. It aids in controlling the extension of the fingers during finger-opening movements.
ISOMETRIC FUNCTION
The isometric function of the Flexor Digitorum Superficialis muscle involves contracting and generating tension without changing its length. This function helps 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 the Flexor Digitorum Superficialis.
ANTAGONIST MUSCLES
- Extensor Digitorum: Extends the fingers and the wrist, opposing the flexion action of the Flexor Digitorum Superficialis.
- Extensor Digiti Minimi: Extends the little finger, counteracting the flexion provided by the Flexor Digitorum Superficialis.
COMMON INJURIES
- Tendinitis: Inflammation or irritation of the Flexor Digitorum Superficialis tendon, commonly occurring at its insertion point or along the course of the tendon, causing pain and reduced finger function.
- Flexor Tendon Strain: Overuse or excessive loading of this muscle, leading to strain or tendon damage. It may result in pain and limited movement of the fingers.
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 Superficialis. Enhances finger flexion strength.
- Grip strengthening exercises: Use a grip strengthener or stress ball, repeatedly squeezing to improve overall grip strength and the muscles of the forearm, including the Flexor Digitorum Superficialis.
- Wrist flexion exercises with added finger flexion: Perform wrist curls while flexing the fingers simultaneously, engaging both the wrist and finger flexor muscles.
- Hand squeezes or grip trainers: Squeeze a hand gripper or a softball to enhance the strength and endurance of the forearm muscles.
- Finger abduction and adduction exercises: Use resistance bands to spread and close fingers, improving 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 and forearm muscles.
- 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.