What is the Wrist Joint?

Written By Nick Stamatiou
Description: Retrocalcaneal bursitis is a condition characterized by inflammation of the bursa located between the Achilles tendon and the calcaneus, the large bone that forms the heel. This condition can be painful and limit mobility, making it ess

Description:

The wrist joint is a remarkable and intricate structure that bridges the forearm and hand, enabling a wide range of movements necessary for daily tasks. This flexible joint plays a crucial role in supporting hand function, making it essential to understand its anatomy and function.

Anatomy of the Wrist Joint:

The wrist joint comprises several key components:

  1. Carpal Bones: Eight small, irregularly shaped carpal bones form the wrist's foundation. These bones are arranged in two rows: the proximal row closer to the forearm and the distal row closer to the hand.

  2. Radius and Ulna: The forearm bones, the radius and ulna, connect to the carpal bones at the wrist joint.

  3. Articular Cartilage: A smooth, protective layer covers the surfaces of the bones where they meet in the joint, allowing for frictionless movement.

  4. Ligaments: Strong bands of connective tissue, such as the volar radiocarpal ligament and the ulnar collateral ligament, provide stability to the joint.

  5. Muscles and Tendons: A complex network of muscles and tendons, including the flexors and extensors, control wrist and hand movements.

Function of the Wrist Joint:

The wrist joint serves several essential functions, including:

  • Flexion: Bending the hand downward (palm moving toward the forearm).

  • Extension: Straightening the hand (palm moving away from the forearm).

  • Radial Deviation: Moving the hand toward the thumb side of the forearm.

  • Ulnar Deviation: Moving the hand toward the little finger side of the forearm.

  • Circumduction: A combination of flexion, extension, and rotation, allowing for circular movements.

Common Wrist Joint Issues:

Several common issues can affect the wrist joint:

  1. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Compression of the median nerve in the wrist, leading to numbness, tingling, and pain in the hand and fingers.

  2. Wrist Sprains: Ligament injuries in the wrist, often due to trauma or falls.

  3. De Quervain's Tenosynovitis: Inflammation of the tendons on the thumb side of the wrist, causing pain during thumb and wrist movements.

  4. Arthritis: Degenerative joint disease affecting the wrist, leading to pain and reduced mobility.

By Charlie Molloy

 

Nick Stamatiou

Nick has a strong interest in sports and musculoskeletal physiotherapy and is motivated to help people reach their desired goals and to achieve their full potential.

His experience includes:

  • Sports and musculoskeletal physiotherapist in a private practice setting

  • Orthopaedic and Rehabilitation inpatient physiotherapist at Brisbane Private Hospital

  • Clinical Reformer and Mat-work Pilates instructor

  • Football gameday physiotherapist

While Nick is skilled in managing all areas of musculoskeletal physiotherapy, he has a particular interest in the rehabilitation of muscle strains, hip, knee and lower back conditions. Nick offers dry needling, massage and joint mobilisation to compliment exercise prescription.

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What is Retrocalcaneal Bursitis?
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