What is a hand fracture?
A person with a hand fracture usually has broken one of the five metacarpal bones of the hand. Hand fractures are common. The most common causes include sports injuries, occupational injuries, and altercations. A common cause for hand fracture is punching a solid object, such as a wall, with a closed fist.

What are the symptoms of a hand fracture?
Symptoms of a hand fracture include hand pain, hand swelling, hand deformity, hand tenderness, and hand bruising.

How does the doctor treat a hand fracture?
Treatment of a hand fracture includes rest, elevation, cold compresses, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications for pain. An orthopedic surgeon will need to reduce the fracture site and apply a splint or cast. In some cases, the reduction may require surgery.