The anatomy of the hand and wrist joints is extremely intricate. The wrist is formed by eight carpal bones, including the scaphoid, and the two bones of the forearm, the radius and ulna. The hand is made up of the five long bones of the metacarpals and phalanges that make up the fingers.
These bones and joints allow us to use our hands in many different, skilled ways. The wrist can be extremely mobile but also allow great dexterity for lifting and manipulating objects.
Hand and wrist injuries are common following a fall onto an outstretched hand. The muscles and tendons in the wrist and thumb are also vulnerable to overuse injuries. Repetitive gripping in golf and racquet sports, bricklaying, sewing, knitting and working at a computer can cause such injuries.
Injuries to these areas can be very frustrating. Here’s a list of injuries that Osteopathy can often help with: