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Boxer Fracture and Metacarpal Fracture

Boxer fractures and metacarpal fractures are injuries where a bone at the base of the finger is broken. This typically occurs near the knuckle, which is commonly referred to as a metacarpal.

More specifically boxer fracture & metacarpal fracture injuries relate to the fifth metacarpal. This is your “little finger”, sometimes called your “pinky finger”. This injury is named “boxer fracture & metacarpal fracture”, as it is typically a result of someone punching something, such as a boxer sparring or hitting a punching bag. However, this injury can also occur in many other ways and is not limited to what happens inside the ring.

Causes of Boxer Fracture & Metacarpal Fracture Injuries

As we mentioned above, the primary cause of a boxer fracture & metacarpal fracture injuries is in the name. When a boxer strikes a pad, bag, or an opponent with their fist, the fifth metacarpal can fracture. However, this injury can happen to anyone who hits something hard with a closed fist.

What Are The Symptoms Of Boxer Fracture & Metacarpal Fractures?

There are many symptoms that you should be on the lookout for when it comes to a boxer fracture & metacarpal fracture. Pain, bruising, and swelling on both sides of the hand that occurs quickly are all common telltale signs that you may be dealing with a boxer fracture & metacarpal fracture. 

In addition to these symptoms, you may also experience tenderness near the base of the fifth metacarpal, the knuckle may appear flatter than usual and you might have difficulty gripping objects with the injured hand. Your hand may also feel cold and/or numb. Boxer fracture & metacarpal fractures are usually diagnosed with an x-ray, following a doctor’s evaluation.

How Are Boxer Fracture & Metacarpal Fracture Injuries Treated? 

How a boxer fracture & metacarpal fracture injury is treated will typically depend on the severity of the injury. Applying ice to the affected area is common and your physician may also advise resting your hand and using a splint to keep it stable during the healing process. Holding your hand above heart level with a sling can help to reduce swelling and over-the-counter pain medication may be recommended, depending on how much pain you are in. 

In more severe circumstances, the dislocated bone may need to be corrected which will usually be done under anesthesia. In this case, physical therapy will usually be required, along with exercises to build help you regain strength and movement in your injured hand. 

Get In Touch With Our Team At Synergy Orthopedics Today

If you have damaged your hand and experienced a boxer fracture & metacarpal fracture, you need to act as soon as possible and seek medical care. Make an appointment with your doctor to have the injury properly evaluated so you can begin the recovery process and get back to normal as soon as possible. The Synergy Orthopedics team can assist you with your recovery and provide you with the high-quality orthopedic devices you need to facilitate the healing and recovery process for your injured hand.

Accreditation

Synergy Orthopedics is a Medicare accredited company, as well as, independently accredited by the BOC Accreditation. At Synergy we take great pride in our Highly Rated Status as an accredited provider.