You should reduce the amount of lifting / loading for the first 4 to 6 weeks. If you have a splint you should not wear this when driving. When you are safe to do all emergency procedures with no hesitation. This movement should come back within the first 10 days. This is common while the hand is still swollen. There is no difference between a break and a fracture. Frequently asked questions: Is it a break or a fracture?īoth, these two words mean the same thing. Practice hand movements: Here are some examples turning keys, picking up small objects, doing crafts or anything that involves using your hands. Practice your pinch grip squeeze objects such as clothes pegs. Squeeze a soft ball, playdough, plastic bottle or similar item in your hand. Gently move your fingers regularly throughout the day. Make sure the ice is never in direct contact with the skin. Put this on the sore area for up to 15 minutes, every few hours. However, if you continue to have pain or are limited in what you can do please get in contact with us (number and email below).Ĭold packs: A cold pack (ice pack or frozen peas wrapped in a damp towel) can provide short term pain relief. Stopping smoking during the healing phase (6 weeks) of your fracture will help ensure the best recovery.įor advice on smoking cessation and local support available, please refer to NHS Quit Smoking or discuss this with your GP.įollow up: We do not routinely follow up these injuries as they heal well. In extreme cases it can stop healing altogether. Stop smoking: Medical evidence suggests that smoking increases the time it takes for a fracture to heal. Avoid putting too much weight through your hand for the first 4 weeks. It is important to keep the fingers bending to stop them becoming stiff. If your hand is swollen, keep your hand high up on your chest (using a sling) for the first couple of days. The splint / finger strapping provided is for comfort, it does not affect how well it heals. Most of the healing happens between three to six weeks but can take several. You may find it continues to be a bit achy and swollen for a few months after your injury. The article looks at the symptoms and causes of metacarpal fractures and explains how these common fractures are diagnosed and treated. In severe cases, surgery might be needed. Pain and swelling: Take your normal painkillers if it is painful. Treatment for metacarpal fractures usually includes not moving the finger while it heals, pain relief, and rehabilitation. This will not affect how you can do things. The knuckle on the outside of your hand is likely to always look different after this injury. Healing: This normally takes approximately 4 to 6 weeks to heal. You have an injury to the neck of your 5th metacarpal (long bone on the outside of your hand). What is a neck of 5th metacarpal fracture? Download and print as PDF (835kB pdf) On this page
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