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The wrist

The hand – a masterpiece

In its form and construction the human hand is far more than a highly developed organ for gripping, allowing a wide variety of combined movements while adapting strength, speed and lightness of touch. It is also a highly sensitive organ of touch, through which we perceive and judge ourselves and our surroundings. Through gesture it becomes a means of shaping communication between people. Through writing, music and art it becomes a means of expressing the human mind.

Hand

The hand – function & biomechanics

Nature’s most complex tool

Function of the hand

The hand allows:

  • Gripping and holding (precision and strength)
  • Fine motor skills (writing, working)
  • The sense of touch (sensitivity)
  • Communication (gestures, sign language)
  • Creativity (art, music)

These functions are essential to our independence and quality of life.

Biomechanics of the hand

Joint structure:

  • Wrist: radius + carpal bones
  • Finger joints: base, middle and end joints
  • The thumb base joint: a special case

Freedom of movement:

More than 20 joints allow complex patterns of movement.

Tendons and muscles:

Flexor and extensor tendons allow precise control of movement.

Nerve supply:

Three main nerves for movement and sensation.

Health & prevention

The hand is susceptible to:

  • Carpal tunnel syndrome
  • Tenosynovitis
  • Osteoarthritis (of the thumb base, Heberden’s nodes)
  • Dupuytren’s disease
  • Injuries and fractures

Prevention:

  • An ergonomic workplace
  • Regular breaks during repetitive tasks
  • Strengthening the hand muscles
  • Avoiding overloading

In summary

The hand is a complex system and essential to our independence and quality of life. Keeping it healthy in the long term depends on ergonomic working conditions, targeted prevention and treating symptoms early.

The team at Sportklinik Freiburg will be glad to help you with this.

Common conditions of the hand

Hand pain can have many causes – from overuse through to degenerative conditions. The most common conditions include:

Illustration of Carpal tunnel syndrome
Conditions
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome is compression damage to the median nerve
Illustration of Trigger finger
Conditions
Trigger finger
A disturbance of the free gliding of the flexor tendons within their sheath
Illustration of Dupuytren’s disease
Conditions
Dupuytren’s disease
Dupuytren’s disease is a benign overgrowth of connective tissue
Illustration of Osteoarthritis of the thumb base
Conditions
Osteoarthritis of the thumb base
Wear of the joint at the base of the thumb
Illustration of Heberden’s and Bouchard’s nodes
Conditions
Heberden’s and Bouchard’s nodes
Wear of the finger joints
Illustration of Skier’s thumb
Conditions
Skier’s thumb
Rupture of the ulnar collateral ligament at the base of the thumb
Illustration of Ganglion cyst
Conditions
Ganglion cyst
A fluid-filled swelling on the hand or wrist
Illustration of TFCC injury
Conditions
TFCC injury
A lesion of the triangular fibrocartilage complex in the wrist
Illustration of Tenosynovitis
Conditions
Tenosynovitis
Inflammation of a tendon sheath
Illustration of Scaphoid fracture
Conditions
Scaphoid fracture
Scaphoid fracture and non-union
Illustration of Finger or hand fracture
Conditions
Finger or hand fracture
A broken bone in the thumb, fingers or metacarpus
Illustration of Tendon injury
Conditions
Tendon injury
A tendon injury in the finger usually affects the flexor or extensor tendons

Our hand specialist

An experienced consultant caring for your hand health

Dr. med. Manuela Warncke

Dr. med. Manuela Warncke

Consultant Surgeon, additional qualification in Hand Surgery