WORKING YOUR WRIST

The wrist in human anatomy is one that connects the hand to the rest of the body. To overlook this joint and neglect it, is to set oneself up for pain and discomfort. Closely used in sync with the wrist joint is the “hand” – one of the mislabelled parts of the human body. It is sometimes used to describe the whole upper limb – which is from the shoulder joint to the tip of the fingers. Whereas, the hand is simply and beautifully – from the wrist joint to the tip of the fingers.

“The wrist joint and hand play significant roles in our activities of daily living, hence, to neglect their care will be a great undoing.”

In focus today is the wrist, which enables the movement of the hand, and its relation to just about everyday use. Think of the motor of a vehicle. There is one common theme in the use of the wrist that will save you a lot of trouble and improve how you do things – imagine you sitting in a chair and resting your arm on the armrest. Visualise how well-rested your hand and wrist joint are, that is a template on how to keep the wrist in proper positioning. That is difficult, you say. Not really. You see, this position ensures that your elbow to wrist is well taken care of. Whether it is using a desktop/laptop computer, using a mobile phone, cutting up apples, or writing, this position will prevent injuries to the structures in the wrist.

The wrist joint and hand play significant roles in our activities of daily living, hence, to neglect their care will be a great undoing. Providing adequate support to the hand and wrist joint will go a long way in the reduction and outright prevention of these conditions. Take care to make the workplace ergonomic compliant, ensure the use of ergonomic office furniture, pick up a baby properly, keep the wrists in proper place when driving, reading a book or holding a smart device.

Until next time,

Opeyemi Bakre

Opeyemi Bakre is the Director of Services at Pro-Health Community Physiotherapy. A for-profit health and wellness organisation that aims to improve quality of life through health promotion, education and awareness, and physiotherapy. They pride themselves on being fun while working to achieve desired goals.

Email: [email protected]
Website: www.communityphysio.com.ng

Featured in Prestige Magazine Issue 2. Vol. 3 2018