Skip to content
Testmottagningen logo
en
sv
Testmottagningen logo

Hand

The hand is an advanced and highly mobile organ that enables grasping, touch, and fine motor skills. It is central to daily activities and social communication.

Contents

Quick version

What is the hand?

The hand is the body part at the far end of the arm and consists of bones, joints, muscles, tendons, nerves and skin. It is built for both strength and precision, making it indispensable in daily life.

Anatomy and structure

The hand has 27 bones: the carpal bones, metacarpal bones and phalanges. These are held together by ligaments and moved by muscles and tendons. The thumb has a unique position that gives the hand the ability to oppose, i.e. to meet the other fingers.

Functions and movements

The movements of the hand include grasping, grasping reflex, fine motor skills and tactile sensation. The interaction between muscles and joints enables everything from powerful grips to millimetre-precision movements.

Nervous system and sensation

The nerve supply comes from the median, ulnar and radial nerves. These are responsible for sensation and motor function. Damage or pinching can lead to numbness, pain or loss of mobility.

Common conditions and diseases

Having pain in the hand can be due to overload, damage, nerve damage or inflammation. Carpal tunnel syndrome, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and trigger finger are some common diagnoses.

Examination and diagnosis

A thorough clinical examination is often supplemented with imaging diagnostics such as X-rays, MRI of the hand or ultrasound. Tests such as Tinel's sign and range of motion tests are used to assess nerve and muscle function.

Relevant symptoms

  • Pain with movement or at rest
  • Numbness or tingling
  • Swelling in the joints of the hand
  • Reduced grip strength
  • Locking in the fingers or wrist

Related conditions and diagnoses

  • Carpal tunnel syndrome
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Trigger finger
  • Dupuytren's contracture
  • Hand fractures

Questions and answers

The hand is made up of carpal bones, metacarpal bones, finger bones, tendons, muscles, ligaments and three major nerves. It is designed for both strength and precision in movement.

Numbness in the hand can be caused by nerve compression, such as carpal tunnel syndrome where the median nerve is affected. Pressure, injury, or circulatory problems can also cause similar symptoms.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition in which the median nerve is pinched in the wrist, causing numbness, tingling, and sometimes pain in the thumb, index, and middle fingers.

Treatment depends on the diagnosis, but may include rest, exercise, medication, orthotics, or surgery. In cases of nerve involvement, early treatment is important to avoid permanent damage.

Hand pain due to MSDs and injuries can often be reduced with rehabilitative exercises. Physiotherapy can strengthen muscles and increase mobility, but should always be tailored to the cause and diagnosis.

Osteoarthritis of the hand is characterized by stiffness, pain, and swelling, especially in the thumb or finger joints. X-rays often confirm the diagnosis, and early treatment can relieve symptoms.

Sprains, fractures, tendon ruptures and wounds are common hand injuries. These can occur during falls, sports or work and often require careful diagnosis and rehabilitation.

Yes, both tendonitis and arthritis are common in the hand, often due to overuse. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and a feeling of warmth. Treatment includes rest and anti-inflammatory medication.

It is a condition where a tendon gets caught during movement, causing a finger to lock in a bent position. Trigger finger is caused by irritation of the tendon sheath and may require treatment with injections or surgery.