Boxer’s Fracture Brace and How It Can Help Heal Your Injury
As the name implies, a boxer’s fracture is a common term that is caused by punching an object with a closed fist. Additionally, it occurs most often with boxers during a fist fight or from striking a hard object like a file cabinet or wall. Generally, these types of breaks happen when the hand is closed into a fist but the injury can also occur when the hand is not clenched and it strikes solid and hard objects.
Although the perfect treatment remains debatable, using a Boxer’s Fracture Brace is considered a great method of stabilizing the injury especially when there is damage to the 4th and/or 5th metacarpal bones. In addition, a boxer’s fracture brace also provides stabilization to the wrist joints and 4th and 5th interphalangeal. Further, this type of fracture brace provides numerous features:
- The ability to custom fit with thermoform so that you have ultimate comfort.
- Has a dorsal hook-and-loop secure tab so the specialist can achieve optimum brace stability.
- Quick and easy adjustments in circumferential compression with the BOA closure and locking ring system.
- Have hook-and-loop fastener straps around the 4th and 5th digits and across the web space for superior comfort and stability.
- Has the ability to trim the finger section to provide the preferred range of motion (under the supervision of your physician).
How the Boxer’s Fracture Brace Helps Heal Your Injury
All too often the injury is fractured again before it has the time to heal. The boxer’s brace helps heal your injury mostly by keeping the arm and hand stable and immobile. When not in motion or in use, the hand sometimes has the ability to heal itself. But unfortunately, many get impatient and use the hand too soon and thus cause more damage.
Moreover, the boxer’s brace can help heal your injury in many other ways such as:
- Reduces pain symptoms
- Increases digital joint function
- Less injury with easy application
- Immobilizes the 4th and 5th metacarpals
- Lowers the need for anti-inflammatory medications
Boxer’s Fracture Symptoms
The most common symptom of a boxer’s fracture is tenderness and pain in a certain location on the hand. The pain is generally around one of the metacarpal bones, adjacent to the knuckle. As well, pain may be present with movement of your fingers or hand.
Other symptoms include:
- Swelling, bruising or discoloration
- Distortion of the knuckle or the broken bone
- Abnormal movement of the broken bone fragments
- A popping or snapping sound if the affected bone is broken
- Pain when pressure is applied to the area around the broken bone
- There is pain when the finger that is attached to the metacarpal bone is grabbed or pushed inward toward the broken bone
- Noticeable misalignment of the associated finger when a fist is made
Seeking Medical Help
It is always best to contact a specialist when you have a fracture or injury. As well, you should contact your physician if you have a cast or splint and you are experiencing numbness, increased pain or tingling of the fingers. Moreover, it is best to seek medical advice if your wound is infected.
We look forward to hearing from you. Please view our clinic locations to get started.
