There are a total of 27 hand and wrist bones — 19 in the hand and eight in the wrist. Together, they let you perform various complex and precise activities, such as writing and grabbing objects.

It’s never too early to start thinking about preserving your bones. Your bone density is highest when you’re in your mid-20s, Shau says, after which it typically starts to decline.

Because your wrist contains so many bones, ligaments, and muscles, it’s easy to injure. SLAC wrist is a type of wrist injury that can make even the simplest tasks painful.