what is ulnar drift

Ulnar deviation is also known as ulnar drift. This hand condition occurs when your knuckle bones, or metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints, become swollen and cause your fingers to bend abnormally toward your little finger.

It’s called ulnar deviation because your fingers bend in the direction of the ulna bone in your forearm. This bone is on the outermost edge of your arm on each side.

This condition won’t necessarily keep you from using your hands for daily tasks, such as gripping objects or tying your shoes. But over time, you may find some activities harder to do. You may also not like the way your hands look as they bend and distort.

Keep reading to learn more about the symptoms, how it’s diagnosed, and more.