Finger Joints
By: Jane AndersonTotal Views: 392, Word Count: 461,
You can well realize the importance of your finger joints when you try to analyze in how many ways you can use your hands. Since the finger joints are extensively used, they are often subjected to wear and tear. A small injury in the joints if left untreated may give rise to complex joint disorders that may ultimately turn into arthritis. The occurrence of arthritis in finger may give rise to unbearable pain and deformity in shape that can only then be recovered with the help of surgical treatment.
The hand is made up of bones called metacarpals. Each metacarpal bone is attached to each of the bones of five fingers. The bones of the five fingers are medically termed as phalanges. Each phalanx is divided into three small bones, distal phalanx, middle phalanx and proximal phalanx. The main joint of the finger or the knuckle joint is formed at the junction of the metacarpals and phalanges. This joint is known as the metacarpophalangeal joint or the MCP. This is actually a hinge joint that helps in bending and straightening of the fingers.
The phalanges of the finger form two finger joints that are termed as interphalangeal (IP). The proximal inter phalangeal joint or the PIP is in between the proximal phalanx and middle phalanx while the distal phalangeal joint is formed at the joining of the middle phalanx and the distal phalanx. Both the proximal inter phalangeal joint as well as the distal phalangeal joint are hinge joint and they help in the movement of the fingers. The thumb joint located at the end of the thumb is made up of an articular cartilage. This articular cartilage is a white and shiny substance and it causes smooth movement of the thumb.
The finger joins consist of ligaments and muscles too. The ligaments are actually combination of tough bands of tissues that support and keep the bones of the joints in place. The strongest most ligaments that supports the PIP joint or the proximal inter phalangeal joint is termed as the volar plate. This ligament is responsible for connecting the proximal phalanx to the middle phalanx on the palm side of the hand. To name another significant ligament that holds and supports the finger joints is the collateral ligament. The collateral ligaments are present on either side of the PIP joint. The ligament saves the finger from injury by controlling the side ways movement of the finger. The collateral ligament tightens when the finger bends sideways.
Pains in finger joints may lead to several forms of inconvenience. To strengthen your finger joints and to keep them active you may take up a supplement like Joint Advance which is very effective in protecting your joints from injury.
About the Author
A USA based orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Jane Anderson has been private practicing for several years. She has also penned few orthopedic books that are of great help for young medical students. Proper diet with right amount of physical activity combined with a good supplement will certainly make your joints strong and active.
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