The flexor digitorum profundus is a muscle found in the front of the forearm. Trigger points in the muscle refer pain to the four fingers and cause the fingers to become stiff. TrPs are also a contributor to trigger finger.
Where Is The Flexor Digitorum Profundus Muscle?
The flexor digitorum profundus is a deep muscle of the forearm that attaches at the bottom of the elbow (ulna), running down the inside of the forearm arm toward the pinky side and connects via four tendons to the base of the four fingers (phalanges).
What Movements Does It Control?
Bends the fingers down toward the palm
For detailed anatomy information: Flexor Digitorum Profundus Anatomy
Advertisement
Flexor Digitorum Profundus Muscle Trigger Points Symptoms:
- Pain in any one or combination of the four fingers
- It is a contributor to "trigger finger"; finger locks in a bent position
- Fingers sometimes have an uncontrollable twitch
What Causes Flexor Digitorum Profundus Trigger Points To Develop?
- Instruments or tools that require a tight grip (pen, pencil, hammer screwdriver, etc)
- Hand tools that have a constant vibration (drill, sander)
- Keyboarding and typing
- Tennis
- Golf
- Skiing
- Gripping a steering wheel
- Using scissors
- Knitting and crocheting
- Sewing
TWD Recommends
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 relief and inflammation. The seams of the gloves are sewn to the outside so you will not have irritation or discomfort. The fingers opening is reinforced so that they will not fray with wear or during washing.
To determine your size, measure straight across the widest part of your palm. Extra small: up to 2 3/4 inches wide. Small: up to 3 1/8 inches across. Medium: up to 3 1/2 inches across. Large: up to 4 inches across. Extra-large: up to 4 1/2 inches across.
Flexor Digitorum Profundus Trigger Point Treatment
If you would like to learn self-treatment, get The Trigger Point Therapy Workbook. The workbook will walk you through finding the muscle and the trigger point. The diagrams and instructions will teach you how to do the appropriate treatment. You will have a resource to help you locate and treat TrPs throughout the body. If you reference the book, the flexor digitorum profundus muscle treatment is listed with the flexor digitorum muscle. It is not listed separately in the index.
If you are going to use the workbook, you will need a massage ball to do the treatment. The Kieba Massage Lacrosse Balls are three varying-sized balls that can be used on muscles throughout the body.
You may also find a massage therapist, physical therapist, or chiropractor with trigger point therapy training to show you how to find and treat the specific TrP.
Trigger points respond best to several 1-2 minutes treatments spread throughout the day.
Sombra Warm Therapy 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 over-use and stiffness, and arthritis. If you have reoccurring leg or foot cramps, you should keep Somba on hand. It provides almost instant relief. (Not sold in stores)
Biofreeze Pain Relieving Gel is an excellent pain-relieving gel recommend for those who have sudden onset muscle pain or recent injuries. It is better to use than warm therapy gels and creams for muscle pain caused by inflammation as it cools the area much like ice. If your pain is from a recent injury, use Biofreeze. It is excellent to use on sprains, strained and sore muscles.
The CompressionZ Compression Arm Sleeves are for those who want or need more support for muscle injury, muscle recovery, or lymphedema. The sleeves work well for athletes and people whose jobs require repetitive twisting motions of the wrist. The sleeves are available in 3 sizes and a variety of colors. Be sure to read the size chart and follow the instructions to ensure proper fit. Two sleeves per package
Flexor digitorum profundus muscle pain and symptoms can be similar to, contribute to, and be affected by these medical diagnoses:
- Thoracic outlet syndrome
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Cubital tunnel syndrome
- Peripheral neuropathy
- C7 C8 or T1 Radiculopathy
- Gout
- Trigger finger
Advertisement
Satellite trigger points associated with the flexor digitorum profundus muscle:
Trigger points in one muscle will cause TrPs to develop in other muscles. These are known as satellite trigger points. If you found trigger points in this muscle, check the muscles below for additional TrPs.
TWD Recommends
Medical professionals recommend Freeze Sleeve Cold Therapy Compression Sleeve for the treatment of injury and over-use soreness. The sleeve provides total circumference cold therapy and compression that other cold treatments do not provide. The sleeve slides on and features material that can be worn on bare skin, allowing you to be mobile during treatment. It can be used for most areas of the arms and legs.
Muscles That May Contribute To These Conditions:
CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME | CUBITAL TUNNEL SYNDROME | FINGER PAIN | GOUT | HAND PAIN | STIFF FINGERS | THORACIC OUTLET SYNDROME | TRIGGER FINGER
Muscles With Similar Pain Patterns
