Muscles

Flexor carpi radialis

Flexes and radially deviates the wrist.

Referred pain map

Flexor carpi radialis (left) and flexor carpi ulnaris (right) — trigger points in the anterior forearm with referred pain to the anterior wrist crease and base of the thumb / ulnar wrist.

Overview

Flexes and radially deviates the wrist. Trigger points here are common in everyday and athletic populations and frequently contribute to the referred pain patterns described below.

Trigger point locations

Anterior medial forearm.

Referred pain pattern

Anterior wrist crease and base of the thumb.

Palpation & testing

Palpate the muscle belly along its accessible course. Reproduction of the patient's familiar pain on palpation supports involvement.

Common causes

Gripping, weightlifting, sustained typing.

Self-care & clinical treatment

Eccentric loading, ergonomic correction. Clinically: needling.

Symptoms commonly linked

Medial elbow pain (golfer's elbow)
Wrist pain

References

• Travell & Simons — Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction