What is the flexor digitorum superficial?
The flexor digitorum superficialis is a muscle located in the forearm that is responsible for bending the fingers. It attaches to the bones in the forearm (the radius and ulna) and runs down to attach to the bones in the hand (the fingers). When the muscle contracts, it pulls on the bones in the hand and causes the fingers to bend at the knuckle.
The flexor digitorum superficial also works with other muscles in the hand and forearm to allow for fine motor control and dexterity in the fingers. (1)
Origin, insertion and function
Origin
The flexor digitorum superficialis originates on the medial epicondyle of the humerus (the inner bony protrusion of the upper arm bone) and the coronoid process of the ulna (the bony protrusion in the forearm).
Insertion
The flexor digitorum superficialis inserts on the middle and distal phalanges (the bones of the fingers) of the fingers, excluding the thumb.
Function
The main function of the flexor digitorum superficialis is to flex the fingers at the knuckles. This muscle works with other muscles in the hand and forearm to allow for fine motor control and dexterity in the fingers. It also helps in the wrist flexion and inversion(movement of the palm of the hand towards the medial side of the forearm). When the muscle contracts, it pulls on the bones in the hand and causes the fingers to bend at the knuckle.
In addition to its primary function, the flexor digitorum superficialis also plays a role in stabilizing the wrist and hand during movement. It works in coordination with other muscles in the forearm, such as the pronator teres, flexor carpi radialis, flexor carpi ulnaris and palmaris longus, to produce smooth and coordinated movements of the hand and wrist.
Common signs of weak flexor digitorum superficialis muscles
Here are a few signs that could indicate weakness in the flexor digitorum muscles:
- Difficulty in flexing fingers
- Weak grip strength
- Inability to hold objects for a prolonged period of time
- Difficulty in performing fine motor tasks such as buttoning a shirt or writing
- Dropping objects frequently
- Wrist pain or instability
- Weakness or pain when performing activities that involve gripping or grasping
- Weakness in wrist flexion and inversion movements
- Loss of dexterity in fingers
Exercises that strengthen the flexor digitorum superficialis
Here are some exercises that can help strengthen the flexor digitorum superficialis muscle:
Finger flexion exercise:
- Sit or stand with your arm extended out in front of you and your fingers extended.
- Slowly bend your fingers, bringing them towards your palm as far as you can comfortably go.
- Hold for a count of five, then slowly release back to the starting position.
- Repeat for 10-15 repetitions, then switch to the other hand.
Finger extension exercise:
- Sit or stand with your arm extended out in front of you and your fingers bent towards your palm.
- Slowly extend your fingers, straightening them out as far as you can comfortably go.
- Hold for a count of five, then slowly release back to the starting position.
- Repeat for 10-15 repetitions, then switch to the other hand.
Grip strength exercise:
- Sit or stand with your arm extended out in front of you and your fingers extended.
- Slowly make a fist, squeezing your hand as tightly as you can.
- Hold for a count of five, then slowly release back to the starting position.
- Repeat for 10-15 repetitions, then switch to the other hand.
Wrist flexion and inversion exercise:
- Sit or stand with your arm extended out in front of you and your fingers extended.
- Slowly flex your wrist, bringing your hand towards your forearm.
- Hold for a count of five, then slowly release back to the starting position.
- Repeat for 10-15 repetitions, then switch to the other hand.
- Follow the same steps but this time with the palm of your hand facing down.
Reverse wrist curl
- Sit or stand holding a weight (dumbbell or plate) with your palm facing down.
- Keep your elbow on a bench or table
- Slowly flex your wrist, lifting the weight towards your forearm.
- Hold for a count of five, then slowly release back to the starting position.
- Repeat for 10-15 repetitions, then switch to the other hand.
It is important to start with a light weight and progress gradually as you get stronger. Also, it is important to consult a doctor or physical therapist before starting any exercise program, especially if you have an injury or chronic condition.