Anatomy
Forearm Muscles
The forearm holds about twenty muscles that control the wrist and fingers. They work whenever you type, hold a tool or swing a racquet.
- Brachioradialis
- Forearm flexors
- Wrist extensors
Where is it?
The extensors on the back of the forearm mainly start from the lateral epicondyle (outer elbow). The flexors on the palm side start from the medial epicondyle. Brachioradialis runs along the thumb side from the upper arm to the wrist.
What does it do?
The extensors lift the wrist and fingers; the flexors close the hand and bend the wrist. Brachioradialis bends the elbow, especially with the hand in a neutral position, like holding a glass.
Common problems
Each problem has its own detailed page: symptoms, causes, treatment and when to seek care.
How we can help
When to seek care
Book an appointment if elbow or wrist pain lasts more than a few weeks or numbness appears. Marked hand weakness, deformity after a fall or a cold, pale hand needs prompt medical assessment.
Frequently asked questions
Other areas of the body
Educational content: it does not replace an assessment. Your therapist determines the cause of your symptoms in person.