Bones of the hand (Featured Image)

Bones Of The Hands

We are going to talk about the bones of the hand. And there are some questions like what are the bones of the hand? What are the primary bony landmarks? And what are some reasons to learn about them?

Let’s begin with the principle bone of the hand. Those bones consist of carpals, metacarpals, and phalanges.

Carpals, metacarpals, phalanges

 

Carpal bones are the wrist. In the surface anatomy, the christ is showing you the location of carpal bones. If you go right in the middle and distal then, there is an area called the carpal tunnel.

Carpal tunnel

 

Carpal bones form a concave surface and this has a roof called transverse carpal ligament (flexor retinaculum). It is made of dense regular collagen collective tissue and this is extremely tough as most as bones.

Transverse carpal ligament

 

The transverse carpal ligament forms a carpal tunnel it contains 4 tendons of the flexor digitorum superficialis (FDS), 4 tendons of the flexor digitorum profundus (FDP), and 1 flexor pollicis longus (FPL) tendon.

These 9 tendons all are wrap in synovial sheaths shown in blue color below image,

Synovial Sheaths

And there is a median nerve which is basically, it’s a connection between the forearm and the surface of the hand.

There are 8 carpal bones are organized in two rows. There is a proximal row 4 of carpal bones and distal row 4 of carpal bones.

Carpal bones 8 (rows)Ulna, Radius

 

There is a radius and ulna. Let’s, look at the 8 carpal bone are,

8 Bone names

  1. Scaphoid bone: The scaphoid articulates with the radius and it lies on the thumb side of your wrist. The scaphoid fracture is the most common fracture of the carpal bone.
  2. Lunate bone: Lunate means ‘moon’ in Latin because it has a shape like a moon.
  3. Triquetrum bone: This bone is articulate in the medial side of the wrist joint. It is a pyramidal-shaped bone.
  4. Pisiform bone: Pisiform bone has a shape of a pea that comes from the Latin word.
  5. Trapezium bone: The trapezium bone is the last in the row of wrist bones and is located beneath the thumb joint.
  6. Trapezoid bone: Trapezoid bone is Latin for table shaped.
  7. Capitate bone: Capitate bone is Latin for head-shaped.
  8. Hamate bone: Hamate bone is Latin for hook-shaped.

The Metacarpals bones get their name because the prefix ‘Meta’ is Greek for ‘after the wrist’. These are the bones after the wrist. There is the bone from 1 to 5.

Metacarpals 1 to 5

 

They are found in the palm area. So, there are metacarpals 1, 3, and 5. The medial shaft of the metacarpals in the body in the distal portion is called the “head” and the proximal portion is called the “base”.

Metacarpals (head, base)

 

 

The Phalanges are,

Phalanges

  1. Thumb finger
  2. Index finger
  3. Swear finger
  4. Ring finger
  5. Pinky finger

 

If we look at from finger 2 to finger 5, they are composed of three phalanges: proximal phalanges, middle phalanges, and distal phalanges. The thumb only has proximal and distal phalanges.

finger 2 to finger 5

Metacarpophalangeal joints (MCP)

The joint between metacarpals and proximal phalanges is called the Metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint.

(DIP, PIP)IP Joint

  • The joint between the phalanges is called Proximal Interphalangeal (PIP) joint.
  • The joint between the proximal Interphalangeal and distal is called the distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint.
  • There are only two phalanges in the thumb, so there is only the Interphalangeal (IP) joint.

DIP, PIP, MCP

 

 

For more information talk to a healthcare provider.

If you have any questions about Bones of the hand please feel free and leave a comment.

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Bone Cancer Signs (Featured Image)

10 Signs Of Bone Cancer

 

Bone cancer is a malignant form of cancer that begins in the bone and destroys normal bone cells. This unusual kind of cancer affects both adults and children.

Most people who have a disease in their bones develop it from the secondary spread of another cancer. This condition is called Metastasis.

Some of the common risk factors associated with the development of bone cancer previous chemotherapy, diseases such as hereditary retinoblastoma, tuberous sclerosis, or prior treatment with radiation therapy.

Keep reading to learn more about the symptoms of bone cancer.

 

1. Bone Pain:

One of the most common complaints of patients with bone cancer is consistent pain in the affected bone. The pain may not be constant at first, it can come and go but gradually becomes chronic.

Typically, the pain is worse at night. However, it can also ache during the day, such as pain in the legs while walking.

As cancer spreads the pain tends to remain there all the time. With more physical activity, it increases more.

 

2. Swelling and Redness:

You will experience swelling and tenderness in the affected area if you develop bone cancer. However, inflammation may not be visible in the early stages of cancer.

It usually shows up after a few weeks. You may fee a lump or mass deposition on the site of the tumor. If a bump develops in the bones of the neck, then inflammation can occur in the back of the throat. This condition will lead to problems swallowing.

 

3. Fractures Due Bone Weakness:

Abnormal growth of cells weakens the bone as the disease grows. In most cases, the bones do not fracture or break.

However, you might complain of sudden severe pain in your limb. This sign is especially notable after it has been tender for a few months. Bone cancer can make the bones weak that they can break even after a minor fall.

 

4. Limping:

Limping is a common symptom seen majorly in people who develop bone cancer in the leg. It is a condition where a person is not able to walk correctly.

 

5. Unexplained Weight Loss:

Sudden loss of weight that is not caused by stress, physical workouts, or a changed diet plan can be a sign of bone cancer.

Typically, you will experience weight loss along with bone pain. This state requires immediate medical attention. As the body won’t be able to get rid of wastes easily, you will experience constipation.

A loss of appetite will follow, leading to unintended weight loss.

 

6. Fever:

Among the set of different complications associated with bone cancer, contracting a low-grade fever is a telling sign. Though not every time, but in a lot of cases, bone cancer can trigger a fever. Not only will you have a temperature, but other symptoms as well.

The temperature is usually low-grade, from mild to moderate. It should be around 99 degrees but can be higher in some cases.

 

7. Anemia:

If you have been running short of breath and feeling tired for a few days now, there is a possibility that you are anemic. Anemia is a telling sign of cancer, including bone cancer.

It occurs with the scarcity of red blood cells in the body. As the bones weaken, the body produces white blood cells to combat the abnormal cells causing cancer in the body, which reduces the red blood cells count.

Mild anemia may not be as bothersome as moderate anemia, which can cause headaches and weakness.

 

8. Loss Of Appetite:

You might experience weight loss as the body remains exhausted all the time. When the cancerous tumor starts spreading in the body, you might lose your willingness to eat.

Food might begin tasting bad or lose its flavor. As the cancerous cells in the body suck all nutrients from the meal, it leaves you drained out and disinterested in food.

 

9. Disturbed Sleep:

Trouble in sleeping or disturbed sleep is another symptom of bone cancer. This symptom occurs because of episodes of pain in the bones. You can have difficulty falling asleep.

You might also wake up multiple times in the night. Once you wake up in the middle of the night, you might lay awake.

 

10. Fatigue:

As with other types of cancer, bone cancer leads to fatigue and weakness. This symptom can certainly impact your quality of life. Physical and mental fatigue with any underlying cause can be a sign of a condition like cancer. You may have persistent tiredness for a long period of time.

 

Diagnoses

Bone cancer can be preliminary diagnose with the analysis of bone X-ray or MRI image. An X-ray image provides a low-priced diagnostic tool for diagnosis and visualization of bone cancer as compared to MRI.

 

We recommend you to take your doctor’s advice for proper guidance and discuss these symptoms with your doctor.

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built healthier bones featured image

11 Ways for You to Build Healthier Bones

Bones are the support system of the body, literally, apart from providing structure they also protect organs, anchor muscles, and store calcium. So it’s very important to keep them strong and healthy.

When you’re young you tend to gain more bone mass than lose, but once you turn 30 your body starts to lose more bone mass than it can gain.

According to recent statistics, one in three women over the age of 50 years and one in five men will experience bone fractures in their lifetime.

Don’t worry, it’s not as bad it sounds. If you take care of your bones and keep them healthy. They will likely remain dense enough even when you’re older without causing any problems.

However, if your bones are thin and unhealthy. Then, they might start deteriorating quickly. This can lead to weak brittle and diseases like rickets and osteoporosis. It can be expensive and difficult to get back healthy bones after that.

This article will tell you the natural ways in which you can build healthy bones.

11 Ways to Build Healthy Bones

1. Increase Calcium Intake:

The first thing that usually comes to mind when you hear about bones is calcium. Maintaining a proper calcium intake can make them stronger. The recommended amount of calcium per day is 1000 mg (milligrams) for most people. Although, teens need 1300 and older women require 1200 mg.
Foods Such as cheese, yogurt, beans, salmon, and sardines are rich in calcium. We would suggest filling your calcium needs through diet rather than supplements and tablets.

2. Exercise Regularly:

Regular exercise is the key to keeping a number of health issues away and bones are no exception, your bones respond to exercise by becoming stronger. Exercising can also help you maintain muscle, coordination, and balance. Which in turn helps to prevent falls and related fractures. A sedentary lifestyle is considered a risk factor for osteoporosis.

One study found that athletes who exercise regularly have the highest bone density.

Showing exercise has a positive effect on bone health. Weight-bearing and resistance exercises are best for strengthening your bones. Weight-bearing exercise can be anything from hiking, walking, jogging, and climbing. While resistance exercises include lifting weights and you can pick your choice or do both of these.

3. Get Enough Vitamin D:

Just like calcium, vitamin D is also vital for good bone health it protects your bones by helping your body absorb calcium. Vitamin D also helps to support the muscles needed to avoid falls.

Children need vitamin D to build strong bones and adults needed to keep their bones strong and healthy. If you don’t get enough vitamin D you’re more likely to break bones as you age.

Some good sources of vitamin D are sunlight and foods like salmon, tuna orange juice, and soy milk. Just keep in mind vitamin D is found in very few foods.

4. Avoid Alcohol: 

You must be aware that drinking too much alcohol is bad for your body. A lesser-known ill effect of alcohol is that it’s damaging to your bones as well.

Drinking alcohol can impact bone nutrition and disrupt hormone regulators. Which are important for bone formation. It reduces this process by directly inhibiting bone-forming cells.

5. More Potassium:

Potassium helps maintain a healthy acid-alkaline balance in the body leading to reduce calcium loss. Potassium also plays a buffering role in your blood keeping the bone-strengthening materials like calcium and phosphorus from being lost from the bones and kidneys.

Researchers found that people with high potassium intake have 8% greater bone mineral density than those with lower intake. You can eat potassium through foods like legumes, bananas, spinach, broccoli, and potatoes.

6. Cut Down On Coffee:

Studies have shown that caffeine consumption contributes to low bone density. Caffeine takes calcium from bones which leads to a decline in its strength.

In fact, you lose six milligrams of calcium for every 100 milligrams of caffeine intake. So if you’re finding it difficult to curb your caffeine addictions. You can go to decaf coffees and still be satisfied.

7. Olives: 

Little green and black fruits as well as olive oil are rich in powerful antioxidants that reduce oxidative stress and inflammation. They also promote bone cell formation increasing bone density and making them stronger.

You can make it an ingredient in your favorite dish salad or sandwich. Remember they’re quite bitter when coming straight off the tree.

8. Quit Smoking: 

Among the many harmful effects of smoking damage to bones is one of them. Smoking reduces the blood supply to the bones making them weaker. The nicotine in cigarettes slows the production of bone-producing cells.

It also decreases the body’s absorption of calcium. Which is necessary for vital cellular functions and bone health. Smoking affects the balance of hormones including estrogen. Which is needed to build and maintain a strong skeleton.

9. Eat Lots Of Leafy Green Vegetable: 

Eating lots of leafy green vegetables is very good for bone health. They are high in calcium and are easily absorbed by the body. Some leafy green vegetables that are good for you are spinach, kale, collard, and turnip.

10. Nuts: 

You must be used to have nuts as a snack or as an addition to your salad. You’ll be surprised to hear that nuts are loaded with minerals that are essential to building strong bones. Nuts are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Which decreases the rate of bone breakdown and keeps bone formation constant.

They are also a good source of magnesium. Which helps in the absorption and metabolism of calcium in turn promoting bone health. Some nuts that you can eat are walnuts, almonds, and cashew.

11. Tap Water: 

One of these simplest ways to improve bone health. It’s drinking tap water. Tap water contains fluoride which helps prevent cavities. Cavities are a part of your bones and fluoride adds to their density making them healthier and stronger.

Researchers found that drinking fluoridated tap water improves bone density and reduces the risk of hip and spine fractures.

 

For further advice do reach out to your local doctor or family doctor.

Let Us Know by commenting below that which one or two ways you need to add or remove from your diet.

Do share this blog with your friends and family!

 

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How to Strengthen Bones without Calcium

How to Strengthen Bones without Calcium |Bone Density Myths|

It doesn’t matter if you’re young, it doesn’t matter you’re old. It doesn’t matter if you’re too fit or not fit. The simple case of the matter is that bone density plays a big role in everything. That we are working with regard to whether its fitness or long-term health.

The lame thing is, most of the industry and most of the mainstream are leading us totally astray. They all told us that calcium is the most important thing when in reality when it comes down to bone health.

When it comes down to making sure your tendons and your joints are really functioning at their best. There are a lot of other things that are much demanding to pay attention to.

In this article, I will address the truth behind bone density and the truth behind the mineral that you truly need.

 

Bone Density Myths

 

Vitamin D is one that a lot of people know about it and there is a simple fact of the matter is getting your vitamin D from sunlight is always going to be the best way.

You can take a supplemental vitamin D but here’s the thing some people have their opinions and there’s some science that is starting to show that taking vitamin d3 could deplete your retinol levels.

Now I’m not saying don’t take a vitamin D supplement but what I am saying is making sure that you’re regulating it.

Vitamin D does help to Corral the calcium and put it into the right places that’s why when you look at a pack of milk a lot of times it all say calcium plus vitamin D, but what we have to remember is that we don’t want to overdo it with anything getting it from sunlight always going to be the best.

However, there was one study that was published in 2005 in the journal of the American Medical Association that found that just taking seven to eight hundred IU’s of vitamin D daily did dramatically decreases the risk of hip fractures in post-menopausal women.

We are likely not deficient in calcium between dairy products, almonds, salmon, leafy greens it is high in calcium.

Unlikely, that you have a deficiency in calcium. In fact, if you actually do get your blood work done. So, you would probably find you’re not that deficient in calcium. We are frankly influenced to believe that we inherently have a deficiency in calcium.

 

How do Calcium and Magnesium work in our body?

 

When in reality calcium and magnesium work together and magnesium plays a bigger role than we may think you see magnesium can actually help to regulate the serum levels of calcium in the body.

This magnesium actually regulates calcium transport in the body. In fact, there is a positive correlation between magnesium levels and calcium levels that’s going into the bones.

Believe it or not, more magnesium in your body equals more density in the bones.

Need to understand the relationship between calcium and magnesium because in a lot of ways they are sort of the opposite. Since calcium excites a cell, magnesium encourages the relaxation of that cell. Then where calcium causes the blood to clot.

Magnesium generally helps keep blood flowing the same type of thing when it comes down to muscle contractions calcium is going to increase the muscle’s ability to contract.

Although, magnesium is going to allow that muscle to relax it’s not a good thing or a bad thing we just have to remember that relationship and the balance between calcium and magnesium.

Here’s the issue most people in the western world are consuming three and a half times as much calcium as they are magnesium. If you’re looking at balance here, how does that equate this study was published in 1993 in the journal of magnesium research and what it did is it take a look at 31 post-menopausal women.

These women they compared to a control group. For the 31 women, they gave 125 milligrams of magnesium 6 times per day for two years than the other group they gave nothing it was a control group.

What they found is at the end of two years the group that took magnesium had considerably higher levels of bone density and good bone mineralization compared to placebo. So that it clearly shows us that magnesium does play a role in bone density.

It does play a part in how the calcium is taken up into the bone to actually make a bone harder and stronger.

There’s a part two to this study and this is actually looking at it a two years later they found that those that we’re taking the magnesium even after they stopped taking the magnesium.

Still retain their bone density notably more than those that didn’t take the magnesium. So not only is magnesium good for getting bones stronger but also for keeping them stronger quite permanently.

 

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