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The hand and wrist are complex
structures with three types of bones and 27 bones altogether. These are:
8 carpal or wrist bones, 5 metacarpal or “palm” bones, and 14 phalanges
or finger and thumb bones. The carpals are round and rotate in a ball-bearing
type of motion at the end of the radius bone. This gives your wrist
the flexibility to move in any direction.
There are also 35 muscles,
tendons, and ligaments in the hand and wrist that support the broad range
of joint movement.
All of these structures –
both the bones and the soft tissues -- are subjected to stresses of varying
types and degrees with every movement. For example, you create stress
on the hand and wrist joints when you pick up heavy objects, accidentally
cut your hand, or do certain motions repetitively, such as typing, assembly-line
work, or sewing. And when you fall, you may use your hand to brace
or cushion your fall.
With 27 bones and 35 soft
tissue structures, a variety of problems can occur.
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