Introduction

The forearms have a casual relationship with the hands and wrists, as they lie below the elbows and perform crucial motor functions. The hands and wrists help many individuals hold onto items, while the forearms provide support by carrying items without pain. The various muscles surrounding the forearms, hands, and wrist joints help provide mobility and flexibility to the arms. Injuries such as muscle sprains, strains, or stiffness in the forearms, hands, or wrists can be caused by trigger points in the brachioradialis muscles that affect the hands and wrists. Today’s article looks at the brachioradialis muscle’s functions in the hands and wrist, how trigger points affect the hands and wrist, and how to manage trigger points associated with them. We refer patients to certified providers who specialize in arm pain treatment to aid individuals with trigger points in the brachioradialis muscles of the wrist and hand. We also guide and inform our patients by referring them to our associated medical providers based on their examination when appropriate. We established that education is a great way to ask our providers the profound questions the patient requests. Dr. Jimenez, DC, takes note of this information for educational purposes only. Disclaimer

The Brachioradialis Function On The Hands & Wrist

 

Have you been experiencing stiffness in your wrist or forearms? Do you have trouble gripping items? Or do you experience radiating pain from your forearms to your wrist? Many people experience pain-like symptoms associated with trigger points in the brachioradialis muscle that affect the forearms, hands, and wrists. The brachioradialis is a superficial muscle that is located in the lateral forearm. The brachioradialis muscle works with other muscles attached to the upper arm to flex the elbow, while also coordinating with the tendons of the wrist and hand. Research studies reveal that the brachioradialis muscle works with the central nervous system by sending signals to the forearm, and that reflexes in the wrist and fingers can be elicited by lightly tapping the brachioradialis tendon. This light tapping motion sends the signal back to the brain and shows which muscle is activated. However, injuries to the brachioradialis muscle can cause referred pain to the wrist and hand.

 

Trigger Points Affecting The Hands & Wrist

As stated in many research studies, trigger points, or myofascial pain syndrome, are a chronic musculoskeletal disorder that causes hard, discrete, tiny nodules along the taut muscle fiber bands of the affected muscle, leading to pain. When the brachioradialis muscle succumbs to pain-like symptoms from common factors or injuries, it can lead to referred pain associated with trigger points affecting the hands and wrists. Thus, how would trigger points affect the hands and wrist? Well, trigger points can mimic other chronic conditions and cause pain to the affected muscles. So when trigger points affect the brachioradialis muscle, it also affects the hands and wrists. 

 

Studies reveal that when trigger points affect the hands and wrist, they can lead to pain, stiffness, burning, or tingling in the hands and wrist. To that point, a person can experience these pain symptoms even if they are not injured. Trigger points can form when an individual makes repetitive motions with a muscle, causing it to be overused and strained, which can lead to trigger points associated with joint and muscle pain. Other studies reveal that non-specific shoulder pain associated with trigger points can increase pain intensity in the brachioradialis and affect hand grip strength. This can make many individuals unable to hold onto the items they carry.

---

Wrist & Hand Trigger Points- Video

Are you having trouble making a fist in your hands? Do you experience a burning sensation in your forearm down to your wrist? What about feeling pain radiating down from your elbows to your hands? Many people experiencing these pain symptoms may develop trigger points in the brachioradialis muscle, affecting the hands and wrists. The video explains what happens when trigger points affect the wrist and hand extensor muscles, which work with the brachioradialis. Trigger points along the brachioradialis can cause referred pain to the forearm and lead to chronic symptoms that affect the function of the wrist and hand. This can lead to decreased grip strength and hand mobility issues for many people. At last, all is not lost, as various treatments are available to manage trigger points in the hands and wrists.

---

Managing Trigger Points Associated With The Hands and Wrist

 

Various treatments can help many individuals dealing with trigger points associated with the hands and wrists. Many people would see pain specialists such as chiropractors, massage therapists, or physiotherapists to manage trigger points affecting the brachioradialis muscles in the hands and wrists. These pain specialists will incorporate various techniques to reduce the pain and address the trigger points along the affected muscle. Studies reveal that acupuncture on the hands and wrists can reduce pain intensity caused by trigger points and restore mobility in the hands and wrists. This can help regain the individual’s grip strength and improve hand and wrist function without pain. Other studies also reveal that trigger point therapy can be utilized to reduce pain-like symptoms affecting the hands and wrists. When combined with gentle massages, it can prevent trigger points from forming in the future and reduce pain symptoms that affect hand grip mobility.

 

Conclusion

The forearms have a casual relationship with the hands and wrists, as the brachioradialis muscles help provide mobility. The hands and wrist help grip items a person carries, while the forearms offer support. When injuries or other factors cause pain-like symptoms in the forearm, they can lead to the development of trigger points that affect the mobility of the hands and wrist. To that point, it can lead to a burning sensation or decreased grip strength in the hands. This can affect a person, as they won’t be able to hold onto items and will experience a numbing sensation in the wrists and hands. Luckily, there are pain specialists available who can use various techniques to manage trigger points in the affected muscle and restore grip function and mobility to the hands and wrists. People who incorporate these treatments into their daily schedules can begin to regain their sense of belonging without pain in their wrists and hands.

 

References

Calvo Lobo, Cesar, et al. “Comparison of Hand Grip Strength and Upper Limb Pressure Pain Threshold between Older Adults with or without Non-Specific Shoulder Pain.” PeerJ, PeerJ Inc., 9 Feb. 2017, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5345821/.

Cao, Talia, and Prasanna Tadi. “Brachioradialis Reflex.” In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL), StatPearls Publishing, 26 Mar. 2022, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK554537/.

Hong, C Z. “Specific Sequential Myofascial Trigger Point Therapy in the Treatment of a Patient with Myofascial Pain Syndrome Associated with Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy.” Australasian Chiropractic & Osteopathy : Journal of the Chiropractic & Osteopathic College of Australasia, BioMed Central, Mar. 2000, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2050812/.

Lung, Brandon E, et al. “Anatomy, Shoulder and Upper Limb, Forearm Brachioradialis Muscle.” In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL), StatPearls Publishing, 31 July 2021, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK526110/.

Oh, Sein, et al. “Causes of Hand Tingling in Visual Display Terminal Workers.” Annals of Rehabilitation Medicine, Korean Academy of Rehabilitation Medicine, Apr. 2013, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3660483/.

Trinh, Kien, et al. “The Effect of Acupuncture on Hand and Wrist Pain Intensity, Functional Status, and Quality of Life in Adults: A Systematic Review.” Medical Acupuncture, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 1 Feb. 2022, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35251436/.