Table of Contents
What are all the important structures of the hand and wrist?
The carpus is formed from eight small bones collectively referred to as the carpal bones. The carpal bones are bound in two groups of four bones: the pisiform, triquetrum, lunate and scaphoid on the upper end of the wrist. the hamate, capitate, trapezoid and trapezium on the lower side of the hand.
What is the function of the wrists?
The wrist joint also referred to as the radiocarpal joint is a condyloid synovial joint of the distal upper limb that connects and serves as a transition point between the forearm and hand. A condyloid joint is a modified ball and socket joint that allows for flexion, extension, abduction, and adduction movements.
What are the movements of the wrist?
Movements of the wrist include abduction, adduction, extension, and flexion.
How does the human wrist work?
Wrist. The wrist is made up of two parts of a joint that work as one functional unit. It allows us to flex (bend) or extend (stretch) our hands. We can also tilt our hands sideways, towards our little finger or thumb.
What is the functional position of the wrist joint?
The wrist has two major articulations: (1) the radiocarpal joint, and (2) the midcarpal joint. As a functional pair, these joints allow the wrist to adequately position the hand for optimal function. The wrist can flex and extend and move in a side-to-side fashion known as radial and ulnar deviation.
What is the functional position of the wrist and fingers for applying an orthosis?
The wrist should be in extension (20-30 degrees) and the thumb in wide abduction and slight IP flexion, in front of the index finger. If this position cannot be achieved initially, it is always possible to remould the orthosis with the reduction of oedema and range of motion gains.
What is flexion of the wrist?
Wrist flexion is the action of bending your hand down at the wrist, so that your palm faces in toward your arm. It’s part of the normal range of motion of your wrist. Flexion is the opposite of extension, which is moving your hand backward, so that your palm is facing up.
How do you do wrist flexion?
Wrist flexion and extension
- Place your forearm on a table, with your hand and affected wrist extended beyond the table, palm down.
- Bend your wrist to move your hand upward and allow your hand to close into a fist, then lower your hand and allow your fingers to relax.
- Repeat 8 to 12 times.
How can I increase my wrist flexibility and strength?
Wrist extensor stretch
- Extend your arm in front of you with your palm down.
- Bend your wrist, pointing your hand toward the floor.
- With your other hand, gently bend your wrist farther until you feel a mild to moderate stretch in your forearm.
- Hold for at least 15 to 30 seconds. Repeat 2 to 4 times.
How do our hands help us?
Our hands do so much for us. They are capable of a wide variety of functions: touch- ing, grasping, feeling, holding, manipulating, caressing, and more. They are a vitally important part of who we are and how we see ourselves. We use our hands to feel whether something is rough or smooth, hot or cold, sharp or dull.