Should we know exactly about the long bone (Ulna) on the inside of the hand?

Feel your hand, from your elbow to your wrist, on the inside (that is, the side where the little finger is). Can you feel a long bone? That is the bone we are going to talk about today, the 'Ulna'. This bone is essential for the movements and strength of our hand. So, let's talk about this friend of ours in a little more detail.

Simply put, what is this Ulna bone?

The ulna is the longer of the two bones in your forearm. The other is the radius. These two work together like brothers. The ulna bone does a great job of moving, bending, and keeping your hand, wrist, and hand strong. Not only that, but many of the important muscles, tendons, ligaments, and blood vessels in our hands are also attached to this bone.

Imagine, you open a door lock, lift a cup, or type on your phone. Behind all these simple actions, there is the function of the Ulna bone. So, if there is any damage to this bone, for example, a fracture, you can imagine how difficult it would be to carry out our daily tasks.

What are the main functions of the ulna bone?

Let's see how important this bone is to our body.

• Helping with movement: The main function is to help your forearm and wrist bend, rotate, and perform various movements. Specifically, when you turn your hand up and down, the ulna bone is what sits like an anchor and helps the other bone (radius) rotate around it.
• An anchor for muscles: More than a dozen muscles in our hand are attached to the ulna bone. These muscles are what give us the strength to move our fingers and wrist.
• Providing stability: This bone provides stability and a strong foundation for your entire hand, wrist, and palm.
• Joint function: This is essential for the proper functioning of both the elbow and wrist joints.

What is the location and appearance of the ulna bone?

The ulna bone is located on the medial side of your arm, and the radius bone is located on the other side, the side where your thumb is.

In terms of appearance, although this is one long bone, it has several parts.

• Proximal end: This is the main part of the elbow joint. Remember that pointy bone you feel when you rest your elbow on a table? That's what's called the Olecranon in medical terms. A hook-like structure (the `Trochlear notch`) in this part fits snugly into our upper arm bone (the `Humerus`) and helps us bend and extend our elbow.
• Shaft: This is the longest part of the bone. It gives the arm its shape and strength.
• Distal end: This is the part that contributes to the wrist joint. On the top of your wrist, towards the little finger, there's a small bony bump that sticks out of your hand, right? That's called the styloid process . That's the bottom end of the ulna bone.

When a doctor talks about a problem in your hand, they may use these terms (like ``Olecranon``, ``Styloid process``), so it's good to have a little understanding of these.

Common diseases and problems affecting the ulna bone

Like all other bones, the ulna can be damaged by various diseases and accidents. Let's take a look at the most important ones.

1. Ulna Fractures

This is the most common problem seen with the Ulna bone. In medical terms, a broken bone is called a 'fracture'. The main causes of this are:

• Sports accidents: Due to falls or impacts while playing sports like cricket and rugby.
• Falls: Especially falling on an outstretched hand. Things like falling from a height, slipping down stairs.
• Car accidents: Motorcycle or other vehicle accidents.

Let's take a look at the symptoms of a broken bone.

If you have these symptoms, go to a hospital's Emergency Department (ETU) immediately.

2. Osteoporosis

This is a term that many people have heard. Simply put, it means that the density of the bones decreases, they become weak, and they break very easily. This is a silent disease, because most of the time there are no symptoms until a bone breaks.

People over the age of 65 and women (after menopause) are especially at risk of developing this disease. If you are at risk, talk to your doctor about getting a bone density test (Bone Density Test / DEXA Scan).

3. Other situations

• Osteoarthritis: Over time, joint wear and tear can cause pain and stiffness in the elbow or wrist.
• Ulnar nerve entrapment: Do you remember the feeling of a current running down your arm when you bump your elbow? The ulnar nerve, which runs near the ulna bone, is pinched. Sometimes this nerve can become pinched, causing numbness and pain in the little finger and the finger next to it.

How to check the health of the ulna bone?

If your doctor suspects there is a problem with your ulna bone, he or she may perform several tests.

• Bone Density Test (DEXA Scan): This is the main test to detect osteoporosis. It uses very low levels of X-rays to measure how strong your bones are.
• X-rays: This is the most basic test to determine if there is a fracture.
• MRI or CT scan: These tests may be necessary in some complex fractures or to see if there is damage to the soft tissues (muscles, ligaments) around the bone.

What are the treatments?

Usually, the ulna bone does not require treatment unless there is an accident or disease. Treatment is required in cases of fracture or osteoporosis.

• Treatment for a fracture:
• Immobilization: Often, a cast or splint is used to immobilize the arm. This allows the broken bone fragments to align properly and heal on their own.
• Surgery: Sometimes, if bone fragments are scattered in many places, or if the skin has penetrated, surgery may be needed to realign the bone with wires, nails, or metal plates (plates and screws).
• Treatment for osteoporosis:
• This includes exercise, calcium and vitamin D supplements, and special medications that strengthen bones. Your doctor will determine the treatment plan that is best for you.

Difference Between Ulna and Radius

As we said before, these two are like brothers in arms. They work together to help us perform complex movements in our hands. Let's take a closer look at the differences between the two.

How to keep your Ulna bone healthy?

There are many things we can do to keep our ulna strong, just like our entire skeletal system. These are not difficult things, but simple habits that we can incorporate into our daily lives.

• Balanced diet: Eat foods rich in calcium and vitamin D. Include things like milk, yogurt, cheese, small fish (with bones), and green vegetables (spinach, kale) in your diet. Morning sun exposure is also very important for vitamin D.
• Exercise: Weight-bearing exercises (exercises that involve lifting weights) and exercises such as walking and running help strengthen bones.
• Stay safe: It is very important to protect yourself from accidents.
• Always wear seat belts when riding in vehicles. If riding a motorcycle, wear a helmet properly .
• Wear protective equipment appropriate for each sport when playing.
• Do not place things on the floor that could cause you to slip and fall at home or at work.
• Instead of climbing on chairs or tables to reach something above, use a suitable ladder or something similar.
• Seek medical advice: If you are over 50, or if someone in your family has osteoporosis, talk to your doctor about getting your bone density checked.

Ulna, hand bone, fracture, osteoporosis, elbow pain, wrist pain