Hand Fractures: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Sumiran Racherla, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Hand Fractures?
An orthopedic surgeon, a bone and joint doctor, usually treats hand fractures. A hand surgeon, who has extra training in the hand, may also help. Many people are first seen in an urgent care or emergency room. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What are hand fractures?
A hand fracture is a break in one of the bones in the hand. This includes the small bones of the fingers (phalanges) and the long bones within the palm (metacarpals).
The most common hand fracture is a fracture of the fifth metacarpal, the bone in the hand that supports the little finger. This is commonly called a boxer's fracture.
Symptoms
Signs and symptoms of a hand fracture may include:
- Swelling.
- Bruising.
- Tenderness or pain.
- Deformity.
- Inability to move the finger.
- A shortened finger.
- An injured finger that crosses over its neighbor (scissoring) when making a fist.
With a boxer's fracture, the knuckle may look sunken in or depressed.
Causes and who gets it
A broken hand can be caused by a fall, crush injury, or twisting injury, or through direct contact in sports.
Other causes include slamming your fingers in a door, putting out your hand to break a fall, or a finger that jams while trying to catch a ball. A boxer's fracture is caused most often by punching or striking a hard object when your hand is closed in a fist. Fractures of the bone that attaches the little finger to the hand account for about one-third of all hand fractures in adults.
Low bone density and osteoporosis, which weaken your bones, make you much more likely to break a bone.
How doctors diagnose it
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and carefully examine your fingers and hand. They may look for swelling or bruising, deformity, overlapping fingers, cuts to the skin, limited range of motion, and joint stability. Numbness in your fingers is a sign of possible nerve damage.
X-rays can help your doctor find the location and extent of the fracture. Sometimes a CT scan, an advanced imaging test, is also used.
Treatment
In many cases, a hand fracture will heal well with nonsurgical treatment. This may include wearing a cast, splint, or buddy straps for a period of time. If a fracture does not line up, your doctor can often move the pieces back into place without an incision. This is called a closed reduction.
Depending on the location and stability of the fracture, you may have to wear the cast for 3 to 6 weeks. You can usually begin gentle hand exercises after 3 weeks.
Some hand fractures require surgery to realign and stabilize the broken pieces. Surgery is often necessary for open fractures, in which pieces of bone have broken through the skin.
Because of time in a cast or splint, your hand and fingers may become stiff. Your doctor or a therapist will give you exercises to decrease stiffness and improve function. With proper treatment, a majority of hand fractures go on to heal with good overall function.
When to see a doctor
If you think you have a broken bone, get medical care right away. When treatment is delayed, a hand fracture becomes harder to care for and does not do as well as fractures that are treated promptly. Tell your doctor if your fingers feel numb, since this can be a sign of possible nerve damage.
Call 911 or go to the emergency room if bleeding will not stop, or after a major injury such as a car crash or a deep or large wound.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Either type of doctor can examine your hand, order an X-ray, and help you get prompt care. They can also coordinate follow-up and refer you to an orthopedic or hand surgeon or a hand therapist.
Common questions
Can a broken hand heal without surgery?
Yes, in many cases a hand fracture will heal well with nonsurgical treatment. Treatment may include a cast, splint, or buddy straps.
What is a boxer's fracture?
A boxer's fracture is a break in the fifth metacarpal, the bone in the hand that supports the little finger. It is caused most often by punching or striking a hard object when your hand is closed in a fist.
How long will I wear a cast for a hand fracture?
Depending on the location and stability of the fracture, you may have to wear the cast for 3 to 6 weeks.
Should I wait to see a doctor for a hand fracture?
No, get medical care right away if you think you have a broken bone. The sooner a fracture is addressed by a doctor, the better the outcome will likely be.
Can a finger stay stiff after a hand fracture?
Yes, some patients continue to have stiffness or a contracture (loss of motion) in the hand even after carefully following therapy instructions.
Sources
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons - OrthoInfo - Hand Fractures
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons - OrthoInfo - Finger Fractures
- MedlinePlus - Fracture
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
