Hinge Joint

Joints are the points at which bones contact. The human body comprises a variety of various joint kinds. Certain joints, such as those between the vertebrae, are immobile, but others, such as those in the fingers and toes, are more flexible. Hinge joints are those that provide motion in a single plane. They help with activities such as bending and straightening a finger.

Protective cartilage surrounds the bones of a hinge joint, and a thick gel called synovial fluid lubricates them, allowing them to move freely without rubbing against one another. Additionally, all hinge joints have muscles, ligaments, and other connective structures that serve to support the joint.

Hinge joints, which comprise the shoulder and hip joints, are more stable than ball-and-socket joints. Ball-and-socket joints, on the other hand, provide a broader range of motion in many planes.

Hinge joints are found in the following body parts:

• Elbows 
• Knees 
• Interphalangeal joints (finger joints) 
• Interphalangeal joints (toe joints) 
• Ankles (tibiotalar joint)

Structure and purpose

In order for hinge joints to function properly, they must enable flexion and extension in just one plane while permitting only a tiny degree of movement in all other planes. The hinge joint is a vital component of the intricate biomechanics of the human body, and it must function properly.

The knee, elbow, and ankle are all capable of bearing a great deal of force and assisting in the performance of tasks. Interphalangeal joints are smaller and primarily function to increase dexterity. A hinge joint provides greater stability than a ball and socket joint but with less mobility.

Possibility of injury

Numerous injuries and medical problems can wreak havoc on hinge joints, including those described below:

Osteoarthritis

As with other joints in the body, osteoarthritis can occur in a hinge joint. The most often affected hinge joints by osteoarthritis the knees, hands, and feet are all affected by trusted sources.

Osteoarthritis is characterised by stiff, painful joints. Stiffness occurs when the protective cartilage that surrounds the bones in a joint deteriorates, resulting in discomfort and edema.

The following factors contribute to the development of osteoarthritis:

• level of activity 
• body weight 
• way of life 
• genetics

Dislocation

Although hinge joints are reasonably stable, they are susceptible to dislocation. When a bone in a joint moves out of place, this is called a dislocation. The hands and feet are the most frequently dislocated hinge joints.

Certain sports can cause shoulder dislocation, whereas high-energy trauma, such as a vehicle collision or a high-speed athletic injury, can cause knee dislocation.

When a bone fracture develops along with the dislocation, this is referred to as a complex dislocation.

Tissue deterioration

Musculoskeletal, ligamentous, or other joint-related injuries can result in discomfort and inflammation in this part of the body. Sporting injuries, particularly those sustained during high-impact activities, frequently involve the hinge joints. For example, a runner’s knee can arise as a result of frequent contact to the knee joint when running. Sports injuries, especially high impact ones, frequently damage hinge joints. Runner’s knee occurs when the knee joint is repeatedly impacted during running.

How to keep joints healthy

Trusted source of arthritis in the United States due to an aging population. It is critical for people to maintain healthy joints as they age.

To maintain joints healthy, people can:

• It is important to move them frequently: exercising, stretching, and avoiding being immobile for lengthy periods of time can all assist to maintain the joints in good functioning order.
• Stress reduction: when exercising, an individual should be aware of how their joints feel and avoid straining their bodies too far. Excessive joint tension can degrade the cartilage and result in permanent injury.
• Strengthening the muscles surrounding the joints: strong muscles minimise joint tension, lowering the chance of injury, particularly during sports.
• Maintaining a healthy weight: being overweight puts additional strain on some joints, particularly the knees. Obesity may be avoided by achieving or maintaining a healthy weight.

Conclusion

Certain elements of the body may move in a single plane thanks to hinge joints. Each of the aforementioned joints has a hinge at one end. People can dislocate a bone in a hinge joint, despite the joint’s stability.