Bones in Wrist: A Comprehensive Guide
By Demetria Velazquez, PT
Understanding Your Wrist Bones
Did you know that the bones in your wrist are crucial to the functioning of your hand? By learning about the structure and purpose of these bones, you can help keep your hands and wrists healthy and strong.
How many Bones are in your Wrist?
The wrist is made up of 8 bones connected to the two long bones in the lower arm. These 8 bones are:
- Scaphoid
- Lunate
- Triquetrum
- Pisiform
- Trapezium
- Trapezoid
- Capitate
- Hamate
“Sally Left the Party to Take Cathy Home.”
The 8 carpal bones are usually referenced starting on the thumb, radius-side, to the pinky, ulna-side. Also, A popular mnemonic to remember the carpal bones in order from thumb-side to pinky-side is “Sally Left the Party to Take Cathy Home.”
Lower Arm Bones
The two bones in the lower are called the Radius and the Ulna. The Radius is a long and thicker bone that is located on the thumb side of the wrist. The Ulna is a long but thinner bone that is located on the pinky side of the wrist. These 2 bones connect to the bones in the hand, known as the carpal bones, to make up the wrist.
Bones in the Wrist
What Bones are in the Wrist?
The wrist consists of 8 carpal bones. These bones connect to the 2 long bones in the lower arm, Radius, and Ulna. Together, the bones and joints allow the hand to move in several directions.
What are the Bones in the Hand Called?
The long bone on the thumb side, the radius, connects with the first three carpal bones. These bones are the scaphoid, lunate, and triquetrum bones. The radius to these 3 carpal bones makes up the radiocarpal joint on the thumb side of the wrist.
The long bone on the pinky side, the ulna, connects with the lunate and the triquetrum carpal bones. Additionally, the ulna’s connection to these 2 carpal bones makes up the ulnocarpal joint on the pinky side of the wrist.
The name of the bones in your fingers is metacarpals. These bones connect to the four carpal bones to make up the carpometacarpal joints. These four carpal bones are trapezium, trapezoid, capitate, and hamate.
What is the Bone that Sticks out on your Wrist Called?
The Pisiform is the carpal bone that sticks out the side of the wrist. It is known for being the most visible bone in the wrist.
The Function of the Bones in the Wrist:
The wrist bones make the wrist more stable while also allowing a wide range of movement. Additionally, the bones connecting to the radius and ulna, creating the above-indicated joints, allow you to move your hand up and down to wave, twist to open a door, and move your hand side-to-side to move a mouse on your computer.
Common Wrist Injuries
Common Wrist and Hand Injuries
The wrist is further connected by ligaments, muscles, and tendons. Additionally, Injury can occur in various ways since the wrist can move in many directions.
- Sprain – stretching the ligaments that connect the bones in the wrist by carrying something heavy or catching yourself from a fall.
- Fracture – breaking one of the carpal bones in the wrist or the part of the radius or ulna that connects to the carpal bones.
- Stress injuries – These types of injuries occur over time due to the repetitive nature of certain movements with your hands and wrists. Typing, writing, or playing tennis can cause these types of injuries to the wrist, which may lead to carpal tunnel, ganglion cysts, or tendinitis.
What is the Most Common Wrist Fracture?
The most common fracture that the occurs to the wrist is a Distal Radius Fracture.
Distal Radius Fracture
A Scaphoid Fracture is the most common fracture among the carpal bones. In most instances, it is usually fractured in a fall with the arm and hand outstretched to catch oneself.
Taking Care of Your Hands and Wrists
Keeping your hands and wrists healthy is vital for maintaining their functionality and avoiding injuries. Your hands and wrists are intricate structures composed of bones, ligaments, tendons, and muscles. They work together to perform a wide variety of movements and activities, and taking good care of them is crucial for your overall well-being.
Simple exercises like wrist circles and wrist flexion and extension can help keep your wrists healthy and prevent discomfort or pain. Stretching exercises such as wrist flexor and extensor stretches can help alleviate stiffness and increase range of motion.
To prevent injuries, it’s important to practice good ergonomics and posture when you’re doing everyday activities. Whether you’re typing, using a mouse, or engaging in physical activities, make sure your wrists are properly aligned and supported. Tools like wrist rests or supportive braces can provide extra protection and reduce the risk of injury.
Finally, avoid repetitive movements or putting too much force on your wrists to prevent overuse injuries. Take regular breaks, switch up your tasks, and use proper lifting techniques to maintain wrist health and prevent strain or sprains.
By prioritizing hand and wrist care, you can minimize the risk of injuries and discomfort, allowing you to continue performing daily tasks and activities with ease. If you have persistent pain or concerns about your hand and wrist health, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and personalized treatment plan.
Written by: Demetria Velazquez, PT
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