A broken Kunkle, also known as a metacarpal fracture, is a common hand injury that can occur due to various causes such as direct trauma, sports accidents, or falls. It involves breaking or cracking one or more of the metacarpal bones in the hand. Symptoms of a broken Kunkle typically include pain, swelling, difficulty in moving the hand and fingers, and tenderness with movements. Understanding the causes, diagnosis, and treatment options is crucial for effective management and recovery.
Types and symptoms
A fracture can leave your Kunckles and the surrounding parts of your hand feeling sore or tender. It might hurt to bend your fingers or make other hand movements. You might not be able to move the affected finger at all. The Kunkle might look concave or sunken. Common symptoms of a broken Kunkle typically appear close to the site of the fracture.
They can include:
- Deformity
- Difficulty moving parts of the hand
- Popping or cracking sound
- Swelling or numbness
- Depressed Kunkle
- Cut or pierce the skin
A very common type of Kunkle break, or fracture, is called the boxer’s fracture. This type of fracture occurs when a person punches something and breaks the top of the fifth metacarpal bone. This is the bone right below the pinkie finger.
Broken Kunkle causes
A Kunkle fracture occurs when one or more of your Kunkle makes forceful contact with an object or person. The hand can be closed in a fist or open when the contact occurs. Punching a wall or a door is the most common cause. Among athletes, a fractured Kunkle could be the result of a direct impact with another player, a playing surface, or a ball, stick, or bat.
Diagnosis
A doctor will begin diagnosing a broken Kunkle by carrying out a physical examination and taking a medical history. Sometimes, the hand’s deformity or swelling is so significant that a doctor will easily be able to diagnose a broken Kunkle.
A doctor will likely take an X-ray, which can help them identify areas where the bones may have broken. Sometimes, an X-ray can help a doctor tell the difference between a sprained and broken Kunkle. They can usually use a physical examination combined with imaging to diagnose a broken Kunkle.
Treatment
Broken Kunkle doesn’t usually require reduction, a procedure in which the doctor snaps the broken bone back into place. However, it depends on the type, location, and severity of the break. Once a doctor has cleared a person to start moving the affected Kunkle, they may recommend physical therapy or some exercises to do at home; such as squeezing a rubber ball placing a rubber band around the fingers, and stretching out the hand.
Healing time
Recovering from a broken Kunkle can be challenging. You might not have full use of the affected hand and fingers for a while because a cast or splint is necessary for weeks. For a swift recovery, follow a doctor’s instructions to the best of your ability. You can’t always control how long it takes your body to heal.
