Metacarpal Fracture
A metacarpal fracture is a break in one of the hand bones (knuckle bones), often caused by impact or falls. Physiotherapy is essential after healing to restore movement, strength, and hand function. At ACE Physio Sports, we provide metacarpal fracture physiotherapy in Singapore to help you recover safely and return to daily activities and sport.
Metacarpal Fracture Physiotherapy in Singapore
A metacarpal fracture is a break in one of the long bones of the hand that connect the wrist to the fingers. These bones form the knuckles, which are essential for gripping, lifting, and hand function.
This injury is common after direct impact, such as punching an object or falling onto the hand. While the bone typically heals with immobilisation, physiotherapy is crucial to regain full movement and strength.
If you are looking for hand fracture physiotherapy in Singapore, ACE Physio Sports can help. We provide structured rehabilitation to restore hand function, reduce stiffness, and help you return to daily tasks safely.
What is a metacarpal fracture?
The metacarpals are five long bones in the hand. A fracture occurs when one of these bones breaks due to trauma.
People often search for this as:
- broken knuckle bone
- hand fracture near knuckle
- fractured hand from punching
How does a metacarpal fracture happen?
Common causes include:
- Punching a hard surface (often called a boxer’s fracture)
- Falling onto an outstretched hand
- Direct impact from a ball or object
- Accidents or blunt trauma
Common symptoms of a metacarpal fracture
Symptoms usually appear immediately after injury:
- Sudden sharp pain in the hand
- Swelling and bruising
- Tenderness over the bone
- Reduced range of motion
- Weak grip strength
- Visible deformity or bump (in some cases)
- Difficulty using the hand
Some people describe:
- pain in knuckle when moving fingers
- hand swelling after punching something
- cannot grip properly due to hand pain
What should I do if I suspect a metacarpal fracture?
A metacarpal fracture requires medical assessment.
You should:
- Seek immediate care at a hospital or clinic
- Apply ice (15–20 minutes every 1–2 hours)
- Use light compression if needed
- Keep the hand supported and elevated
An X-ray is usually required to confirm the fracture and determine treatment.
Treatment may include:
- Splint or cast immobilisation
- Surgery (if bones are displaced)
What should I avoid?
Avoid:
- Moving or using the injured hand excessively
- Activities that may worsen the fracture
- Heat, massage, or alcohol early after injury
- Ignoring pain or swelling
These can increase swelling and delay healing.
Physiotherapy after a metacarpal fracture
Physiotherapy begins after the bone has healed or when your doctor allows movement.
At ACE Physio Sports, rehabilitation focuses on restoring full hand function.
Treatment may include:
Range of motion exercises
To reduce stiffness and improve movement in the fingers and hand.
Strengthening exercises
To rebuild grip strength and hand function.
Manual therapy
Hands-on techniques to improve joint mobility and reduce stiffness.
Soft tissue treatment
To reduce tightness and improve flexibility.
Functional training
Exercises to help you return to daily tasks, work, or sport.
Additional therapies
- Wax therapy for stiffness
- Joint mobilisation
- Progressive loading exercises
If you are searching for physio for hand fracture in Singapore, early rehabilitation helps restore normal hand use and prevent long-term stiffness.
Recovery and long-term effects
Most metacarpal fractures heal well within a few weeks.
However, without proper rehabilitation, you may experience:
- Stiffness in fingers or hand
- Reduced grip strength
- Difficulty with fine movements
- Ongoing pain or discomfort
In some cases, people notice:
- hand feels weak after fracture
- stiff fingers after cast removal
Physiotherapy helps restore full strength, mobility, and coordination.
Why choose ACE Physio Sports?
At ACE Physio Sports, we provide physiotherapy for hand fractures, upper limb injuries, and post-immobilisation rehabilitation.
Patients choose us because we focus on:
- personalised rehabilitation programmes
- restoring hand strength and movement
- improving grip and function
- reducing stiffness after immobilisation
- safe return to work, sport, and daily activities
- local physiotherapy care in Singapore
- convenient access near East Coast Road
If you are looking for metacarpal fracture physiotherapy in Singapore, ACE Physio Sports can help.
Book Appointment
If you have a hand fracture or stiffness after immobilisation, physiotherapy can help restore strength and function.
ACE Physio Sports provides physiotherapy in Singapore for hand injuries, fractures, and rehabilitation.
Call: +65 81535374 Website: acephysiosport.com Email: admin@acephysiosport.com
Book your appointment today to start your recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my hand fracture is healing properly?
Healing is tracked via X-ray at follow-up appointments. Signs of good progress include reducing pain, improving function, and callus formation visible on imaging. Your physiotherapist will guide you through each stage of loading the bone safely.
When can I start putting weight through my hand after a fracture?
Weight-bearing timelines depend on fracture type, location, and whether surgery was performed. Your physiotherapist and surgeon will work together to guide this safely, with load progressively increased once adequate healing is confirmed.
Can physiotherapy help with stiffness and weakness after a hand fracture?
Absolutely. Stiffness and muscle weakness are very common after fracture immobilisation. Physiotherapy uses gentle joint mobilisation, stretching, and progressive strengthening to restore full movement and prevent long-term limitations.
Ready to start your recovery?
Our specialist physiotherapists are here to help. Book a consultation today.
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