The abductor digiti minimi is a muscle located on the little finger side of the hand. The muscle contributes to pain on the outside of the hand that extends into the little finger.
The Location and Movements of Abductor Digiti Minimi Hand Muscles
The abductor digiti minimi connects to a bone in the wrist (pisiform bone) and descends the outside of the hand to connect with the base part of the little finger (proximal phalanx).
The abductor digiti minimi muscles moves the little finger out and away from the other fingers and bends the little finger down toward the palm.
Abductor Digiti Minimi Pain And Symptoms
Symptoms include:
- Pain is located on the back and side of the hand just below the little finger
- Pain extends up into the lower half of the little finger
Pain caused by the abductor digiti minimi is usually first noticed in the little finger and the area just under the finger. The pain travels down to the padding of the outside of the hand aches, and moving the little finger away from the other fingers is painful. The little finger may feel stiff.
Other muscles that should be examined with the abductor digiti minimi:
The abductor digiti minimi is affected and can have an effect on these conditions.
Products TWD Recommends For Hand Pain
Sombra Warming Gel is recommended for relaxing muscles and relieving pain. It warms without the burning heat of other gels. An excellent choice for pain caused by trigger points, muscle/joint overuse and stiffness, and arthritis. Somba is excellent for those with chronic hand pain; it provides almost instant relief. (Not sold in stores)
Whether the pain in your hands is caused by trigger points, a muscle injury or arthritis, compression has been shown to help with pain relief. The Imak Compression Arthritis Gloves are some of the best on the market. The gloves provide gentle compression, which helps decrease both pain and inflammation.
If I could recommend one product that every house should have, it would be these Jar Grips. Hand and arm injuries often happen while straining to open jars and bottles. These are reasonably priced, last forever, and will save you from the pain of strained muscles.
If you have painful, stiff hands due to old injuries and arthritis, the REVIX Microwavable Heating Mittens will help relieve your discomfort. Clay beads and flaxseeds provide soothing heat and moisture, relieving pain and stiffness better than traditional dry heat heating pads. Two mitts are in the package.
The Causes Of Abductor Digiti Minimi Muscle Pain
- Activities that require repetitively moving the little finger away from the fingers, i.e., typing and reaching for the outside keys, such as shift and enter.
- Playing musical instruments such as violin, cello, guitar, and piano that require stretching and holding the little finger away from the other fingers.
How To Avoid Development of Trigger Points In The Abductor Digiti Minimi
Other than a direct blow to the muscle, repetitive stretching of the little finger away from the other fingers is the primary cause of pain from the abductor digiti minimi muscle. People who use a computer and phone keyboards often experience pain on the outside of the hand. Musicians playing string instruments often experience pain caused by the muscle.
To prevent problems in the muscle, take frequent breaks and massage the hand, concentrating on the muscles under the little finger. Use a small rubber ball to roll the palm and muscles daily. You will be surprised how that will help!
Common Location of the Abductor Digiti Minimi Trigger Point
Abductor Digiti Minimi Trigger Point and Massage Self-Treatment
Trigger points in the abductor digiti minimi are easy to treat. Use the opposite hand to palpate and feel for sore and tender points on the outside of the hand. When you find a tender spot, apply pressure to the spot for 10 seconds, then continue looking for other sore areas. Gently check the little finger using the same method, starting at the bottom of the finger and working up to the tip.
Once you have checked for trigger points, use the index finger and thumb of the opposite hand, starting at the bottom of the finger, massage up the finger, gently pulling upwards. If that causes pain, lessen the pressure or stop. It should feel good, not cause pain! Trigger points respond best to several 1-2 minute treatments spread throughout the day.
Rolling the palm is a habit that can help reduce pain and soreness in the hands. Place a small hard ball on a table and slowly roll the ball using the palm. You should use some pressure, but just enough so that it feels good. Do this for a minute on each hand every day to help with hand flexibility and relieve pain.
How Long Before I Feel A Reduction In Pain?
Many people notice a reduction in pain after the first day of treatment. However, it is important to continue the treatments until the area is pain-free when pressure is applied; otherwise, the pain will return.
Interesting Facts About The Abductor Digiti Minimi Muscle
- It is one of the three muscles that make up the hypothenar eminence, the pad located on the outside of the hand.
- Is sometimes used as a donor muscle to restore function in a thumb that has been injured and has lost the ability to move.
Additional Muscles That Contribute To Pain In The Little Finger
Learn More About Trigger Point Treatment
Trigger points develop in muscles throughout the body. Most are easily treated once you learn the location, the feel of small knots, tight bands, and recognize referred pain.
If you are interested in learning about trigger points and referred pain patterns, I recommend The Trigger Point Therapy Workbook. It is an excellent resource for learning about the trigger point and referred pain phenomenon and has diagrams for TrP locations and treatment.
Strengthen Your Hands to Relieve Pain
The saying if you don't use it, you lose it, applies to hand, fingers, and wrist flexibility and grip strength. Targeted exercises will help keep your hands in optimal condition. The Pnrskter Finger Bands and Hand Grips not only strengthen your hands but can help relieve the pain of arthritis, carpal tunnel, and tennis elbow. Similar to bands and grips used by therapists during rehabilitation.
References:
Clay, J. H., Allen, L., Pounds, D. (2015). Clay & Pounds' Basic Clinical Massage Therapy: Integrating Anatomy and Treatment (3rd ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins
Finando, D., Finando, S. , (2005). Trigger Point Therapy for Myofascial Pain: The Practice of Informed Touch (1st ed.) Rochester, VT: Healing Arts Press.
Muscolino, J., (2016) Kinesiology: The Skeletal System and Muscle Function (3rd ed.). Maryland Heights, Missouri: Mosby.
Image Credits: Dreamstime