Boxer's Fracture: What Happens When You Punch a Hard Surface
If you hit something hard with a clenched fist and later feel pain or swelling in your hand, do not stay silent about it. Dr. Amr Elyamany explains a common injury called a boxer's fracture.
What is it?
A boxer's fracture is a break of the fifth metacarpal, the bone behind the little finger. It is called that because people who get it usually hit something with a closed fist, the way boxers do.
The mistake people make
Many people keep touching, gripping or pressing on the injured spot. That does three things: it increases the swelling, it moves the broken bone, and it causes pain and damage to the tissues around the fracture.
What to do
- Do not press or handle the painful area.
- Go to the nearest hospital for an X-ray and the right treatment.
- Keep the hand raised and supported until you are seen.
Key takeaway: Control your temper and protect your hand: a punch into a wall can leave you in a splint, or an operation.
When to see a doctor
- Pain and swelling after hitting something with a closed fist
- A dropped, sunken or misaligned knuckle
- Difficulty making a fist or a finger that overlaps another
Need advice about your own case? Book a consultation with Dr. Amr Elyamany in Dubai.
This article is for general education and does not replace an in-person medical examination. If you have symptoms, please consult a qualified doctor.