Massage therapy · Kitchener–WaterlooBennett's Fracture

Two common fractures occur at the base of the thumb, one of which is called Bennett's fracture. This fracture is a particular concern because the break extends into the joint between the wrist and the thumb. If it is not recognised and treated properly, it can lead to an unstable, arthritic joint, with reduced movement and more pain (Kong, Yueh and Granick, 2013). Since the thumb joint is critical for pinching and gripping, Bennett's fracture can severely reduce hand function.

Bennett's fracture is often the direct result of a fall onto the thumb or a direct blow to the thumb, such as in a fist fight or a punch.

Bennett's Fracture Anatomy

The broken bone is the first metacarpal, the long bone of the thumb inside the hand, and this is where you will feel the pain. You will usually notice swelling around the wrist and thumb. The fracture runs through the lower end (base) of the bone and into the joint. A small piece of bone stays in place, held by a ligament, while the rest of the metacarpal, along with the thumb, is pulled out of position by the pull of a tendon (Kong, Yueh and Granick, 2013).

How to Treat Bennett's Fracture

Treatments you may want to discuss with your family doctor, nurse practitioner or fracture clinic

Tips

• Any time there is severe pain in the muscles and joints around the thumb after an injury, it needs to be examined by a trained professional.
• Follow your fracture clinic's instructions about wearing your cast or splint. Never try to remove, reshape or alter a cast or splint yourself (University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust, 2024).
• Swelling is normal and can take months to settle. Try to keep your hand raised above the level of your heart when sitting, for example by resting it on pillows (University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust, 2024).
• Once your splint can be removed and any wounds have healed, your hand therapist may suggest contrast bathing (dipping your hand in warm and then cold water) to help ease swelling, stiffness and pain (University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust, 2024). I can show you how to do this safely at home.
• Use your hand only for light activities while it is supported. The thumb will not be strong enough for heavy work or non-contact sports for at least 6 to 8 weeks, and contact sports, especially boxing, should be avoided for at least 12 weeks after the injury (University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust, 2024). Always follow your own clinic's advice.
• Stiffness is normal after an injury and eases with the regular exercises your hand therapist gives you (University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust, 2024). I can support these exercises within your clinic's plan. Being able to move fully and do all the things you once did takes time and patience.

A Bennett's fracture runs into the joint at the base of your thumb, so the bone has to be held in the right place while it heals. Your fracture clinic or surgeon decides how long the cast, splint or wires stay in and what your thumb can do. I work inside those limits, and if your fracture was fixed with wires or screws, or it stops you doing everyday things, I need your medical team's okay before any hands-on treatment.

Please bring any X-ray or scan reports and notes from your medical team to your first visit. They're an important part of planning safe treatment for you.

While It's Protected

• Easing the forearm, shoulder and neck, which often tense up while the hand is in a cast
• Gentle lymphatic drainage above the cast, and keeping your hand raised, to help with swelling
• Keeping your fingers, elbow and shoulder moving, within what your clinic allows

After the Cast or Splint

1. Kong, H., Yueh, J.H. and Granick, M. (2013) 'Fracture of the base of the first metacarpal bone', Eplasty, 13, ic7.
2. University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust (2024) Thumb fractures and soft tissue injury advice. Available at: https://www.plymouthhospitals.nhs.uk/display-pil/pil-thumb-fractures-and-soft-tissue-injury-advice-5884/ (Accessed: 7 October 2026).
3. NHS (2024) Sprains and strains. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/sprains-and-strains/ (Accessed: 8 October 2026).