The Anatomy of a Healthy Wrist

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The Anatomy of a Healthy Wrist

When your wrist is healthy, you don't give it much thought. As long as it flexes up and down and from side to side in a pain-free rotation, you are able to work, lift a baby, swing a golf club and perform everyday tasks. When arthritis attacks the wrist, however, life becomes more complicated.

The wrist, one of the most complex joints in the body, lies between the five metacarpal bones of the hand and the radius and ulna bones of the forearm.

Image of the anatomy of the wrist.

The wrist is made up of several joints:

The distal radioulnar joint acts as a pivot for the forearm bones.
The radiocarpal joint, which is between the radius and the first row of carpal bones, allows for wrist flexion and extension, the up-and-down motion of the wrist.
The midcarpal joint, between the two rows of carpal bones.
Various intercarpal joints, between adjacent carpal bones within the rows.

Images of the joints of the wrist labeled.

The numerous bones and the intricate way they work together give the wrist its flexibility and wide range of motion. Cartilage separates the radioulnar joint from the rest of the wrist, which is contained within a capsule of cartilage, membrane and ligaments. Radiocarpal ligaments carry the hand along with the forearm in rotational movements, and intercarpal ligaments strengthen the small wrist-bones.

Such a complex network of anatomy is a marvel when it is healthy. It enables you to perform daily activities such as type on a keyboard, drive a car, cook, work and so much more. When arthritis interferes, however, your lifestyle can be severely hampered by pain, stiffness and immobility. Eventually arthritis may make it difficult to work and perform day-to-day tasks.