Introduction
The brachioradialis muscle is the most superficial muscle on the forearm’s radial side. It is located on the lateral side of the cubital fossa. It is frequently united with the brachialis proximally. It has a thin belly that drops at the mid-forearm when it begins its long flat tendon, which continues to the radius.
Supinator longus is another name for it.
Brachioradialis discomfort is often felt as a shooting pain in the forearm or elbow. Tennis elbow is frequently mistaken for it. Tennis elbow is an inflammation of the tendons in your elbow, whereas brachioradialis discomfort is exclusive to this muscle. Both are often caused by overuse and overexertion.
Muscular Anatomy
The brachioradialis is a fusiform muscle situated on the lateral side of the posterior forearm. It is part of the radial group of forearm muscles, which includes the extensor carpi radialis brevis and extensor carpi radialis longus. It is part of the superficial layer of posterior forearm muscles.
It runs from the bottom half of the humerus (the long bone in your upper arm) to the radius (the long bone on the thumb side of your forearm). It’s also known as Venke’s muscle.
Origin
It originated from the lateral supracondylar ridge of the humerus.
Insertion
Brachioradialis inserted into the Styloid process of the radius.
Nerve Supply
The brachioradialis is innervated by the radial nerve due to its position in the posterior compartment of the forearm. The spinal nerve roots in C5 and C6 contribute to the innervation.
Blood Supply
Brachioradialis gets its blood supply from the radial recurrent artery, the tiny muscle branches of the radial artery, and the radial collateral branch of the brachial profunda artery.
Functions of Brachioradialis Muscle
To flex the forearm near the elbow, the brachioradialis muscle works in tandem with the biceps brachii and brachialis muscles. When the forearm is semi-pronated, or the palm is perpendicular to the ground, the brachioradialis is a robust forearm flexor.
Causes of Brachioradialis pain
The development of myofascial pain syndrome can affect the brachioradialis muscle. The most common cause of this discomfort is repetitive microtrauma to the muscle from tasks like spinning a screwdriver, ironing for an extended period of time, repeatedly bending the forearm at the elbow (for example, when using exercise equipment), shaking hands, or digging with a trowel.
Tennis injuries brought on by poor one-handed backhand technique, as well as acute muscular damage, have both been linked to myofascial pain syndrome. Brachioradialis discomfort can also be caused by a physical contact injury, such as a fall or a strike from a hard object.
Trigger points of Brachioradialis Muscle
The brachioradialis muscle has a localized spot of extreme discomfort that is the pathologic lesion known as the trigger point in brachioradialis syndrome. The easiest way to show this trigger point is to have the patient pronate their forearm while simultaneously flexing it against strong resistance. Also evident and potentially treatable with injectable treatment is point soreness above the lateral supracondylar ridge of the humerus.
Pain patterns and symptoms
Forearm and/or elbow discomfort may be caused by this muscle if it is too tight or includes sensitive or trigger points, respectively. You can also have soreness between your thumb and index finger or on the back of your hand.
As a result, it can be a factor in your tennis elbow pain.
How to Treat Brachioradialis Pain at Home
The quicker you can address brachioradialis discomfort, like with many overexertion injuries, the better outcome you will have.
During the acute phase of therapy, RICE (rest, ice, compression, and elevation) is utilized to reduce pain and edema. Let us see each step briefly:
Rest: Using the muscle should be kept to a minimum for the first 3 days after the beginning of discomfort.
Ice: Ice should be applied to the area to limit inflammation and swelling at least for 20 minutes every 2 hours.
Compression: Medical bandage can be used to wrap the forearm loosely, which will help to decrease the swelling.
Elevation: The forearm and elbow should be kept elevated to minimize the swelling size.
Specific workouts can strengthen the strength of your brachioradialis muscle once it has recovered and the discomfort has subsided. These workouts include isometrics and range of motion exercises.
How to Relieve Brachioradialis Muscle Tension
All you need for effective myofascial self-relief is a massage ball. Follow these steps to target the brachioradialis muscle:
- Stand next to a wall, placing the massage ball on your forearm.
- Press your forearm against the wall with gentle pressure, and slightly bend your knees.
- Perform mini squats, allowing the massage ball to roll over your forearm slowly.
- Use your other hand to support your inner forearm for added comfort.
As you roll the massage ball over your forearm, search for tender points that may indicate trigger points or excessive muscle tension. When you find one, pause and apply gentle pressure on the point for several seconds.
Rotating your forearm as you roll the massage ball ensures you’re targeting the entire brachioradialis muscle. Apply pressure from various directions by twisting and rotating your forearm during the massage.
Take your time to thoroughly inspect your muscle and identify any tender points. Patience is key when addressing myofascial pain and trigger points effectively.
If the above measures fail to help you with the pain, we strongly urge you to see your doctor for further investigations and better management.
Conclusion
You may have overused your brachioradialis muscle if you have discomfort in your forearm or elbow when doing tasks like turning a doorknob or using a screwdriver. Tennis elbow and brachioradialis pain are frequently mistaken, but brachioradialis discomfort is extremely distinct and needs a separate approach.
You can often take care of this injury at home. Visit your doctor for a full diagnosis and recommended course of action if the pain and swelling don’t go away.
MD, PhD. Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Physician from São Paulo - Brazil. Pain Fellowship in University of São Paulo.