Hand Fracture: Fifth Metacarpal (Boxer's) Fracture Exercises

Your healthcare provider may recommend exercises to help you heal. Talk to your healthcare provider or physical therapist about which exercises will best help you and how to do them correctly and safely.

You may do the stretching exercises right away after your cast is removed. You may do the strengthening exercises when stretching is nearly painless.

Stretching Exercises

• Fist making: Make your hand into a fist. If the injured finger will not bend into the fist, try to help it with your other hand. Hold this position for 5 to 10 seconds. Repeat 10 times.
• Wrist range of motion
  1. Flexion and extension: Gently bend your wrist forward and backward. Do 2 sets of 10.
  2. Side to side: Gently move your wrist from side to side (a handshake motion). Do 2 sets of 10.

Strengthening Exercises

• Opposition stretch: Rest your hand on a table, palm up. Touch the tip of your thumb to the tip of your little finger. Hold this position for 6 seconds and then release. Repeat 10 times.
• Wrist flexion: Hold a can or hammer handle in your hand with your palm facing up. Bend your wrist upward. Slowly lower the weight and return to the starting position. Do 2 sets of 10. Increase the weight you use when this exercise is easy to do.
• Wrist extension: Hold a soup can or small weight in your hand with your palm facing down. Slowly bend your wrist up. Slowly lower the weight down into the starting position. Do 2 sets of 10. Gradually increase the weight of the object you are holding.
• Grip strengthening: Squeeze a soft rubber ball and hold the squeeze for 3 seconds. Do 3 sets of 10.
• Finger spring: Place a large rubber band around the outside of your thumb and fingers. Open your fingers to stretch the rubber band. Do 2 sets of 15.