What are hand arches?

When we talk about the development of fine motor skills we sometimes talk about hand (or palm) arches – but most people have never heard this term and might be wondering what they are and why they matter! 

Our palm arches help us to hold objects that are different shapes and sizes, they dictate the power of our grasp and help control the movement of our fingers.  

If you hold your hand, palm facing upwards, and slightly curl your fingers and thumb you can see the three main palm arches. 

Across your palm at the base of your fingers (distal transverse arch). 

From your thumb to your little finger (oblique arch).  

From your middle finger to the base of your thumb (longitudinal arch).[1] 

Hand arches help with lots of movements – and are especially important for things like using scissors, cutlery and more precise grasps that we might use when writing or in tasks that involve small, careful movements.[2] 

Helping your toddler develop their hand arches 

Games involving crawling on hands and knees are great for making these muscles stronger.  

Squeezing cloths, sponges or water squirters (this last one might be a bit hard for your toddler now) are also great.  

Really, anything that encourages your toddler to hold and squeeze an object or take some of their weight on their hands will make these muscles stronger.  

References: 

[1] Sangole, A.P. & Levin, M.F. (2008). ‘Arches of the hand in reach to grasp’. Journal of Biomechanics, 41(4), 829-837.  

[2] Oxford NHS Foundation Trust – Children's Community Occupational Therapy (undated). Hand Arches – Under 5’s.