The human body is a mysterious, complex, and wonderful thing. There are certain features on everyone’s bodies that don’t really seem to serve a specific purpose, yet we have them anyway. Some of these features are a result of evolution, and today we’re going to talk about one very specific one!
Hold your arm out and touch your thumb to your pinky finger. You’ll probably see a small, raised tendon in the middle of the inside of your wrist. If you don’t see this tendon, you’re part of the 10 to 15% of humans who were born without this feature in one or both of your arms.
If you don’t have this feature, there’s no need to be alarmed. Scientific research has found that this muscle doesn’t actually have a real reason for being there. If you do have this muscle, it doesn’t give you any more grip or arm strength than people who don’t have the muscle.
🦴 What It Means If You Have Arm Tendon Pain or Tendonitis
If you’re experiencing pain, swelling, or stiffness in your arm — especially around the elbow, shoulder, or wrist — you may be dealing with tendon inflammation, commonly known as tendonitis.
Tendons are the tough fibers that connect muscle to bone. Repetitive motions (like typing, lifting, or sports), poor posture, or aging can cause these tendons to become irritated or inflamed.
⚠️ Common Symptoms:
- Dull ache or sharp pain, especially during movement
- Swelling or tenderness along the joint
- Weak grip or difficulty lifting objects
- Stiffness after rest
💡 What You Can Do:
- Rest the affected arm
- Apply ice to reduce swelling
- Use anti-inflammatory medications if needed
- Stretch and do gentle exercises after the pain eases
- In serious cases, consult a doctor or physical therapist
✅ Prevention Tips:
- Warm up before activity
- Take breaks from repetitive motions
- Strengthen arm muscles with light resistance exercises
Persistent or worsening pain may indicate a tear or chronic condition, so don’t ignore it!
