2. Extensor Digitorum Communis

Origin: Lateral epicondyle of the humerus

Insertion: Extensor expansion of the digit 1-5 (bases of the distal and middle phalanx)

Action: Extension of digit 1-4 and of the wrist

Innervation: Posterior interosseous nerve (C7/C8) – branch of the radial nerve

Extensor digitorum communis.
Figure 8.4 Extensor digitorum communis, adapted by Mikael Häggström from the original image by Henry Gray and Henry Vandyke Carter (Public domain). 

Needling

Position: Various (supine, prone, sitting) with arm pronated to access extensor digitorum communis

Palpation: Palpate the lateral epicondyle – Resist wrist/finger extension to isolate muscle

Technique: Needle perpendicular

Caution: Low

Needling extensor digitorum communis.
Figure 8.5 Needling extensor digitorum communis, original image by Nadine Crocker, CC BY-NC 4.0.

Video 8.2 Needling extensor digitorum communis, original video by Nadine Crocker, CC BY-NC 4.0.

License

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Sinew Channel Needling Copyright © 2026 by Nadine Crocker is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License, except where otherwise noted.

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