Community data Updated 4 weeks ago

Metacarpal fracture of the hand

হাতের মেটাকার্পাল হাড় ভাঙা

muscle-bone-and-joints musculoskeletal

0 medicines 0 symptoms

Your injury might be called a fracture, a break or a crack. These all mean the same thing.

When a bone fractures, it isn't just the bone itself that's affected. Some of the soft tissue around it is usually injured too. Soft tissues include the:

muscles
ligaments
tendons
nerves

Common Symptoms

Symptom information is not available for this condition yet.

⚠️ This symptom list is for educational purposes. Having these symptoms does not mean you have this condition. See a doctor for proper diagnosis.

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Medicines Commonly Used

⚠️ These medicines are commonly used for confirmed diagnoses of this condition. This is NOT a recommendation or prescription. Treatment must be determined by your doctor.

No medicines have been linked to this condition yet.

Complications

After a metacarpal fracture of the hand, most of the healing happens between 3 to 4 weeks.

It's normal to still feel aches and discomfort beyond this point. This often shows up when you try activities you haven't done in a while.

It's also normal for the area to stay more sensitive for several months after the injury.

What can affect your recovery?

A few things can influence how well and how quickly you recover.

Smoking

Smoking affects all your tissues and slows down fracture healing. In some people, it can stop healing altogether.

If you can stop smoking while your fracture heals, you'll give yourself the best chance of a good recovery.

Get help to stop smoking.

General Health

Some medical conditions, such as diabetes, can slow down the healing process.

Eating a healthy diet and staying active will help your recovery along.

Medication

Certain medications can slow down fracture healing. If you're worried about something you're taking, talk to a healthcare professional about it.

Anti-inflammatory medication, such as Ibuprofen or Naproxen, has been shown to delay healing.

What to expect after a metacarpal fracture of the hand

A metacarpal fracture of the hand is usually a minor fracture. Even so, it can be genuinely limiting, since you can't use your hand normally while it heals.

Even though it will feel uncomfortable, it's important to start moving your fingers early on. This helps the hand function better and supports your recovery.

Pain

Some discomfort around the fracture is normal. The areas affected can include:

other soft tissues
nearby joints
areas that have been immobilised

Pain can vary from day to day, and it doesn't always match what you've been doing. It's common to feel pain even at rest.

Some pain, even after your fracture has healed, is normal. Some people also notice discomfort at the fracture site during colder weather.

Your local pharmacy can advise you on managing pain after a fracture.

Find your local pharmacy

Use Scotland's Service Directory to find your local pharmacy.

Swelling

Swelling is a sign that healing has started. It's normal to have swelling near the fracture, and this often spreads down into your fingers.

The swelling can change depending on:

your position
your activity
the time of day

Some swelling, even after your fracture has healed, is normal, and it can last for several months.

There's usually a bony lump at the fracture site, and this may reduce slightly over time.

You may also notice your knuckle looks less prominent, as it's common for the bone to shorten a little because of this kind of injury.

How to manage swelling

A lot of swelling can be uncomfortable or limit your movement. There are still things you can do to help bring it down. You can:

raise your arm above your heart while resting, supporting it with pillows
keep the other joints in your arm and hand moving normally
avoid too much rest as well as too much activity
massage the swelling from the tips of your fingers towards your armpit

Bruising

Bruising is normal, and it can be widespread, sometimes appearing quite far from the fracture itself.

It may look very purple to begin with and change colour as you recover. Usually, you'll notice it between the web spaces of your fingers.

Getting back to normal activities

As a general rule, pace yourself as you return to normal life. Only take on activities as you feel able.

Driving

Contact your insurance provider before driving, since this injury may affect your cover.

Once you're out of your splint, the general advice is that you must be able to safely perform an emergency stop or manoeuvre.

You should always be in full control of your vehicle.

Work

When you return to work will depend on the type of work you do and your employer. It may be possible to discuss a phased return or changed duties with them.

You don't need to see a healthcare professional before returning to work.

Daily activities

Keep doing whatever activities you're able to, as your pain allows, and gradually increase this over time.

Reduced flexibility and strength may make things harder to start with, but this will improve as you slowly build back up to all your usual activities.

Mood

Feeling frustrated or low after an injury like this is normal. As you get back to your usual routine, this will ease. If it becomes a major issue for you, discuss it with your GP.

Falls

A loss of confidence is common after a fracture. Get advice on:

preventing falls
6 exercises for staying steady

Bone scanning

You may be sent a letter inviting you for a bone density scan after a fracture.

It's routine to be assessed for any further risk of fracture, especially if you:

are over the age of 50
have increased risk factors for fracture

Recovery plan

There are things you can do at each stage to support your recovery after a metacarpal fracture.

0 to 2 weeks since injury

You may have one finger taped to another, known as buddy taping, but try to move the joints that are taped as far as you're able.

Just after your injury, you should:

manage your pain and swelling
use your hand for light activities
avoid heavy lifting
avoid picking up hot items

2 to 6 weeks since injury

Between 2 to 6 weeks after your injury, the buddy taping should come off.

At this stage, you should:

continue increasing movement with exercises for your injured hand
try to move the 3 hinged joints in each finger hourly, without forcing the movement
practise using the base of the thumb joint to roll and touch the fingers
gradually increase how much you use your hand in normal daily activities

6 to 12 weeks since injury

By 6 to 12 weeks after your injury, you should:

return to full function
resume normal day to day activity

If you're a boxer, check with your doctor before starting any boxing. It can take closer to 3 months before you're ready for any higher impact activity.

Exercises for your hand

There are exercises you can follow for your injured hand.

Try to do them regularly throughout the day, ideally every hour.

Start these exercises 2 to 6 weeks after your fracture.

Full finger bend