What is the flexor carpi radialis?
The flexor carpi radialis is a muscle located in the forearm, which allows for movement of the wrist and hand. It is located on the same side of the arm as the thumb and runs from the elbow to the wrist.
It is part of the superficial layer of the forearm, along with the pronator teres, flexor carpi ulnaris, palmaris longus and flexor digitorum superficialis muscles.
The flexor carpi radialis muscle flexes the wrist, which means it brings the hand towards the forearm, and also helps to abduct the hand (moves the hand away from the center of the body). (1)
Origin, insertion and function
Origin:
The flexor carpi radialis muscle originates from the medial epicondyle of the humerus (a bony protrusion on the inside of the elbow) and the supinator crest of the ulna (a bony ridge on the inside of the forearm).
Insertion:
The muscle then runs down the forearm and inserts onto the base of the second and third metacarpal bones (the bones in the hand that lead to the index and middle fingers).
Function:
The main function of the flexor carpi radialis muscle is to flex the wrist, which means it brings the hand towards the forearm. It also helps in abducting the hand (moving the hand away from the center of the body) and also helps in supination of the hand. It plays an important role in many activities that involve gripping, grasping and holding objects, like holding a racquet, lifting a weight or doing push-ups.
Common signs of weak Flexor Carpi Radialis muscles
Common signs of weak flexor carpi radialis muscles may include:
- Difficulty gripping or holding onto objects
- Wrist pain or weakness during activities that involve wrist flexion
- Difficulty flexing the wrist against resistance
- Lack of strength or control in the wrist and hand
- Weakness in the hand and wrist when lifting or carrying objects
- Loss of range of motion in the wrist
- Increased risk of wrist injuries or sprains
- pain in the wrist and hand
- difficulty with fine motor skills
It is important to note that these symptoms could also be caused by other conditions and a proper medical examination is needed to determine the root cause of the symptoms.
Exercises that strengthen the flexor carpi radialis
There are several exercises that can help to strengthen the flexor carpi radialis muscle and improve wrist flexion strength. Here are a few examples:
Wrist flexion:
Sit or stand with your arm extended out in front of you, palm facing down. Use your other hand to gently push your hand downwards towards your wrist. Hold for a few seconds and then release. Repeat for several repetitions.
Reverse wrist curl:
Sit or stand holding a weight (dumbbell or can) with your palm facing down. Slowly lower the weight towards the floor by bending your wrist. Pause and then lift the weight back up by straightening your wrist. Repeat for several repetitions.
Wrist extension:
Sit or stand with your arm extended out in front of you, palm facing up. Use your other hand to gently push your hand upwards towards your wrist. Hold for a few seconds and then release. Repeat for several repetitions.
Reverse wrist extension:
Sit or stand holding a weight (dumbbell or can) with your palm facing up. Slowly lower the weight towards the floor by extending your wrist. Pause and then lift the weight back up by flexing your wrist. Repeat for several repetitions.
Wrist rotations:
Hold a light weight, like a can or a bottle of water, in your hand, and rotate your wrist in a circular motion, both clockwise and anticlockwise.
It is important to start with light weights and gradually increase the weight as your strength improves. It is also important to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new exercise regimen.
References:
- Editor, D. T. (2020, July 22). Flexor Carpi radialis. Wheeless’ Textbook of Orthopaedics. Retrieved January 17, 2023, from https://www.wheelessonline.com/muscles-tendons/flexor-carpi-radialis/