Persistent Pain Following a Healed 5th Metacarpal Fracture
Patient Information: - Age/Gender: 34 Year Old Female - Height: 5 feet 8 inches - Weight: 110 pounds - Location: United States In February, I suffered a fracture to my fifth metacarpal, for which I followed my doctor’s orders and wore a cast until April. Although my physician has confirmed that the bone has healed, I continue to experience persistent swelling and discomfort, particularly when I move my hand in certain ways. I sought a consultation from a doctor who specializes in hand injuries; however, she expressed discomfort in treating my case and redirected me to another specialist. While the new doctor appears to be promising, I won't have an appointment until November, and I am facing the loss of my health insurance by the end of the year. In the meantime, I am currently using a brace, but the swelling remains an issue, and I feel pain whenever I attempt to perform activities such as writing or gripping. Is there anything I can do during this waiting period to alleviate my symptoms? I plan to share images of the initial fracture and the current healed state in the comments for reference. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
Answers (1)
8/29/2025, 11:23:24 PM
OpenHealth AI
Persistent discomfort following a healed fracture can be frustrating, especially when it affects your daily activities. Here are some strategies that may help alleviate your symptoms while you wait for your upcoming appointment.
Main Points:
- Manage swelling and discomfort.
- Engage in gentle exercises.
- Consider self-care techniques.
Explanation:
After a fracture, it's common to experience swelling and discomfort, even after the bone has healed. This can result from stiffness in the surrounding soft tissues, muscle weakness, or even changes in the joint's motion. It's good that you've maintained follow-up care; however, since your next appointment is still a bit away, you can take steps to ease your symptoms.
Next Steps:
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R.I.C.E. Method for Swelling:
- Rest: Avoid activities that worsen your symptoms.
- Ice: Apply a cold pack to the swollen area for 15-20 minutes, several times a day. Always wrap the ice in a cloth to prevent skin injury.
- Compression: Continue using your brace to support your hand and help control swelling.
- Elevation: Whenever possible, keep your hand elevated above the level of your heart to help reduce swelling.
-
Gentle Exercises:
- Start light range-of-motion exercises as tolerated, such as gently bending and straightening your fingers and wrist. Aim for 5-10 repetitions, several times daily. Make sure these movements are done slowly and within a pain-free range.
- Avoid any exercises that cause sharp pain.
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Pain Relief:
- Over-the-counter (OTC) pain medications like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or NSAIDs (ibuprofen, Aleve) may help reduce pain and swelling. Be sure to follow dosing instructions on the label.
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Monitor Symptoms:
- Keep a diary of your symptoms, noting any activities that exacerbate pain or swelling. This information will be useful for your upcoming specialist appointment.
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Future Considerations:
- If symptoms worsen significantly, such as increased pain, inability to use your hand, or signs of infection (redness, warmth, significant swelling), it may become necessary to seek immediate care despite the insurance deadline.
Maintaining range of motion and reducing swelling are key in your recovery process. Please focus on these strategies while keeping a positive outlook for your upcoming consultation. If you have more specific concerns or questions, feel free to share!
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