Flexor Digiti Minimi Brevis Hand Muscle Strain: Causes, Treatment, Signs, Symptoms, Risk Factors

The Flexor Digiti Minimi Brevis is a hand muscle which facilitates flexion of the fifth digit of the hand which is also known by the name of pinkie finger. This muscle originates at the hamate bone and extends to its insertion at the fifth digit. To be specific this muscle attaches to the ulnar side of finger closer to the proximal phalanx bone of the finger. Blood supply to this muscle is maintained by the ulnar artery. This muscle is innervated by the ulnar nerve. There have been some cases when there is congenital absence of the Flexor Digiti Minimi Brevis muscle. In such cases, the adjoining Abductor Digiti Minimi becomes active and grows in size and plays an additional role of the Flexor Digiti Minimi Brevis hand muscle.

Some of the signs and symptoms which may suggest Flexor Digiti Minimi Brevis hand muscle strain are:

• Severe pain especially in the middle finger which may extend behind the hand
• The pain may also radiate up towards the forearm and elbow
• There may be pain felt even in the wrist or just below the palm
• An extremely weak grip strength
• Stiffness of fingers

Some of the activities which may strain or injure the Flexor Digiti Minimi Brevis hand muscle are:

• People involved in repetitive typing can injure or strain the Extensor Digiti Minimi hand muscle
• Piano players are also at risk of injuring Extensor Digiti Minimi Brevis hand muscle.
• People involved in construction and who use tools like a hammer repetitively can also injure or strain this muscle.
• Athletes involved in sports like tennis or golf are also at an increased risk for having Extensor Digiti Minimi Brevis hand muscle strain or pain
• Writers who spend a lot of time in writing and use of a pen or a pencil are also prone to injuries of it.

It is seen in the elderly population, especially females, who are extensively involved in activities like knitting and crocheting are also at risk for injuring or straining the Extensor Digiti Minimi Brevis Hand Muscle.

Some of the medical conditions that can be caused due to an injury to the Flexor Digiti Minimi Brevis muscle are:

• Lateral Epicondylitis
• Tennis Elbow
• Ganglion cyst

Cold Therapy: For treating a strained Flexor Digiti Minimi Brevis Hand Muscle using cold therapy, the most recommended treatment is using a Biofreeze gel. This gel has been shown to be quite useful in relieving pain and discomfort. This gel tends to cool the inflamed area quickly and prevents development of swelling due to the cooling effect. To use this gel, gently rub it at the injured side both at the front and back starting just at the elbow going down all the way to the tip of the thumb.

Wrist Ice Wrap: When an individual has Flexor Digiti Minimi Brevis Hand Muscle strain, then just treating the thumb pain is not sufficient, but the whole muscle needs to be treated. For this the Ice Wrist Wrap has been shown to be quite beneficial, as it covers the entire muscle and provides compression and helps in healing of the muscle. To begin with, you can start wearing the wrap for about 20 minutes and then gradually increase the time. You can also adjust the wrap so as to cover the thumb as well.

Also helpful can be using a frozen wash rag wrapped around the thumb along with using the wrap as this combination will completely cover the muscle and allow it to heal faster. Additionally, Biofreeze gel can also be applied along with using the wrap for additional comfort.

Wrist-Elbow Wraps: The majority of the pain felt due to Flexor Digiti Minimi Brevis Hand Muscle strain is in the wrist and hand areas, it is also important to treat the muscle right from its origin which is from the elbow for better results. For this, an Elbow Ice Wrap quite a good option to relieve pain caused due to a strained Flexor Digiti Minimi Brevis Muscle. This can be used successfully by positioning the wrap around the wrist and base of thumb for relieving the discomfort in the area and gently moving the wrap towards the elbow such that the entire muscle right from the forearm to the wrist and thumb is wrapped. This allows complete healing of the muscle.

Warm Therapy: There are a lot of gels readily available in the market which can be used to treat Flexor Digiti Minimi Brevis Muscle pain. Such gels provide required warmth to the muscle which expedites healing process. Arthritis patients can use such gels for instant pain relief. The gel can be applied on the inside part of the elbow and the wrist region several times a day for maximum benefit. One must make sure to not use heating gels while simultaneously using ice or heat packs as this may lead to blistering of the skin.

Arm Compression Sleeves: These have also been shown to be quite effective in relieving pain and discomfort caused due to Flexor Digiti Minimi Brevis Hand Muscle strain. These sleeves provide more support to the muscle and prevent it from any reinjury and also help in recovery. It is mostly used by periople who have significant pain affecting their activities of daily living and athletes along with people who use tools quite often in their work.

Forearm Band: There are also quite a few elbow bands available which are used for conditions like tennis elbow, carpal tunnel syndrome and other repetitive stress injuries and have been found to be very useful. An example of it is the BandIT. This wrap is worn by many athletes for protection and prevents repetitive stress injuries and has been found to be extremely useful, although it is not suggested as a long term treatment for muscle damage due to muscle overuse.

Compression Gloves: This is also quite an effective way for preventing or calming down the symptoms caused by Flexor Digiti Minimi Brevis Hand Muscle strain. These gloves are easily available in the market and are also affordable.

Also Read:

• Flexor Digiti Minimi Brevis Foot Pain