Know your body: If there are no muscles in the fingers, how do they move?

Our fingers do not have muscles, apart from the arrector pili muscle (APM) which, according to Britannica, is attached to the hair follicles and on contracting makes the hair erect. As such, have you ever wondered how you are able to move your fingers? Fascinating, isn’t it? So, after apprising you about the fact that those tiny bumps on your tongue are not taste buds, today we are going to decode finger movement. To understand the phenomenon better, we spoke to experts. Read what they shared:

How do our fingers move?

“Muscles in the forearm end up as tendons in the hand. These muscles initiate the movements which, in turn, are transmitted to the tendons in the hand and help us in moving our fingers. In simple words, the fingers move with the help of the tendon unit,” Dr Amith Reddy P, Senior Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, Yashoda Hospitals Hyderabad explained.

Adding that there are two types of muscles for the hand, extrinsic and intrinsic, Dr Sathya Vamsi Krishna, Consultant – Hand, Upper-limb and Microvascular Surgery, Fortis Hospital, Bannerghatta Road, Bangalore elucidated that the extrinsic muscles arise from the elbow and forearm and connect to the fingers as tendons. “These muscles assist with mass action. The intrinsic muscles, on the other hand, originate within the hand and insert into the fingers, providing intrinsic support for coordination and fine movements, such as playing the keyboard,” he told indianexpress.com.

Further highlighting the role of tendons in finger movement, Dr Manish Sontakke, Consultant – Orthopaedics, Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital Navi Mumbai said, “While the fingers themselves don’t have muscles, the muscles responsible for finger movement are actually located in the forearm. Hence, in order to understand how fingers move without muscles, we need to consider the role of tendons”.

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What are tendons?

Tendons are tough, fibrous tissues that connect the muscles to bones. They serve as a bridge between muscles and bones, allowing movement to occur. “Tendon is a fibrous connective tissue that attaches muscle to bone and helps in movements of the joint,” said Dr Reddy P.

Muscles in the forearm end up as tendons in the hand. These muscles initiate the movements which in turn are transmitted to the tendons in the hand and help us in moving our fingers (Freepik)

Can tendons be damaged?

Yes, tendons can be damaged. Tendon injuries can occur due to trauma, overuse, or certain medical conditions. “Some common tendon injuries include tendonitis (inflammation of a tendon), tendon tears or ruptures (partial or complete tears of a tendon), and tendinosis (degenerative changes in the tendon without significant inflammation). Tendons can also be damaged by repetitive stress, such as in the case of repetitive strain injuries,” shared Dr Krishna.

How can tendons be repaired?

The treatment of tendon injuries depends on the severity and location of the damage. “Minor tendon injuries may heal with rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE), along with the use of anti-inflammatory medications. Physical therapy exercises are often prescribed to help restore strength and flexibility,” shared Dr Krishna, adding that in cases of severe tendon damage, surgical intervention may be required. “Tendon repair surgery involves reconnecting the torn ends of the tendon or grafting a tendon from another part of the body to replace the damaged portion. After surgery, rehabilitation through physical therapy is crucial to regain full function and mobility,” he added.

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In addition to tendon injuries, nerve or joint disorders following injury, inflammation, infection, and diabetes can affect hand function, restricting movement and causing pain and numbness.

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How to take care of your finger’s mobility?

It’s important to take care of your fingers and hands to maintain their functionality. Avoiding excessive strain, using proper techniques during physical activities, and wearing protective gear when necessary can help prevent injuries. Below are a few tips shared by Dr Sontakke. They are:

Stretch after exercise: Stretching your muscles when they’re more pliable after exercise, and never to the point of pain, can help prevent tendon injury.

Warm up before you exercise: Doing some light aerobic activities or running in place before more intense exercise increases blood flow rates and loosens up tendons.

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Wear proper athletic shoes: Making sure your shoes fit well and are designed for the sport you’re playing can help keep your body in alignment.

Work on rest days: Scheduling regular days off can lessen the chances of overstressing your tendons.

“If you experience persistent pain, swelling, or difficulty in moving your fingers, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment,” he concludes.

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