Your injury may be referred to as a fracture, break or crack. These terms all mean the same thing.
When you have a fracture, it’s not just the bone that’s affected. You’ll also have injured some of the soft tissues around it. Soft tissues include the:
A metacarpal fracture of the hand.
After a metacarpal fracture of the hand, most of the healing happens between 3 to 4 weeks.
It’s normal to have aches and discomfort beyond this. This often happens when you try activities you haven’t done for a while.
It’s also normal for the area to be more sensitive for several months after the injury.
There are some things that might affect your recovery.
Smoking affects all your tissues and slows facture healing times. In some people, it can stop healing altogether.
Stopping smoking as your fracture heals will help to ensure the best recovery.
Some medical conditions, like diabetes, may slow down the healing process.
Eating a healthy diet and keeping yourself active will help your recovery.
Some medications can slow down fracture healing. If you have concerns about your medication talk to a healthcare professional.
Anti-inflammatory medication, like Ibuprofen or Naproxen, have been shown to delay healing.
A metacarpal fracture of the hand is usually a minor fracture. However, it can be debilitating as you can’t use your hand normally.
Even though it will be uncomfortable, it’s important to move the fingers early on. This will improve the function of the hand and help your recovery.
It’s normal to have some discomfort in the areas around your fracture. The areas affected can be:
Pain can change from day to day and it doesn’t always depend on what you’re doing. It’s common to have pain at rest.
It’s normal to have some pain even when your fracture has healed. Some people also experience discomfort in the fracture site during colder weather.
Your local pharmacy can give you advice on managing pain after a fracture.
Swelling is the start of healing. It’s normal to have swelling near the fracture. Often this will spread down to your fingers.
The swelling can change with:
It’s normal to have some swelling even after your fracture has healed. This can last for several months.
There’s usually a bony lump at the fracture site. This may reduce slightly with time.
You may notice that your knuckle is not as prominent because it’s common for the bone to shorten as a result of this injury.
Having a lot of swelling can become uncomfortable or limit your movement. However, there are some things you can do to help reduce the swelling. You can:
It’s normal to have bruising. Bruising can be widespread and may appear a long way from your fracture.
Bruising can be very purple to start with and may change colour as you recover. Usually, you’ll see it between the web spaces of your fingers.
In general, you should pace yourself when it comes to getting back to normal. Only do activities as you feel able.
You should contact your insurance provider before driving as your injury may affect your insurance.
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.
Your return to work will depend on the type of work you do and your employer. It may be possible to discuss a phased return to work or changed duties.
You don’t need to see a healthcare professional to return to work.
Keep doing any activities you’re able to, as your pain allows. Over time, gradually increase what you do.
Reduced flexibility and strength may make things more difficult to start with. This will get better as you slowly build up to all your usual activities.
Frustration or low mood after your injury is normal. As you get back to normal life this will get better. If this is a major issue discuss it with your GP.
Loss of confidence is common after a fracture. Get advice on:
You may be sent a letter inviting you for a scan of your bone density after a fracture.
It’s routine to be assessed for any further risk of fracture, especially if you:
There are things you can do to help your recovery after a metacarpal fracture.
You may have one finger taped to another (buddy taped) but try to move the joints that are taped as far as you’re able.
Just after your injury, you should:
Between 2 to 6 weeks after your injury, buddy taping should be removed.
At this time, you should:
At 6 to 12 weeks after your injury, you should:
If you’re a boxer, check with your doctor before starting any boxing. It can take closer to 3 months before you’ll be able to do any higher impact activity.
You can follow some exercises for your injured hand.
Try and do exercises regularly throughout the day, ideally every hour.
The exercises should be started 2 to 6 weeks after your fracture.
Stop these exercises if they make your symptoms worse, or cause new pain.
If your wrist, hand or finger problem hasn’t improved within 6 weeks of following this advice, it’s a good idea to talk to a healthcare professional about your symptoms.
Last updated:
10 February 2023