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Metacarpal Fracture: Rehab Exercises

Introduction

Here are some examples of exercises for you to try. The exercises may be suggested for a condition or for rehabilitation. Start each exercise slowly. Ease off the exercises if you start to have pain.

You will be told when to start these exercises and which ones will work best for you.

How to do the exercises

Wrist flexion and extension

slide 1 of 10

slide 1 of 10, Wrist flexion and extension,

Place your forearm on a table. Your affected hand and wrist should extend beyond the table, palm down.
Bend your wrist to move your hand upward and allow your hand to close into a fist. Now lower your hand and allow your fingers to relax. Hold each position for about 6 seconds.
Repeat 8 to 12 times.

Pronation and supination stretch

Picture of how to do pronation and supination exercises

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slide 2 of 10, Pronation and supination stretch,

Grasp a pen, pencil, or stick, and wrap your hand around it. If you don't have something to hold on to, make a fist instead. Then lift your arm so that your elbow is at your side, bent at about 90 degrees.
Slowly turn your forearm as far as you can back and forth in each direction. Your hand should face up and then down.
Hold each position for at least 15 to 30 seconds until you feel a stretch in your forearm.
Repeat 2 to 4 times.

Radial and ulnar deviation

Picture of how to do radial/ulnar deviation

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slide 3 of 10, Radial and ulnar deviation,

Grasp a water bottle with your affected hand. If you don't have something to hold on to, make a fist instead.
With your elbow on a table, slowly bend your wrist upward. Then lower your wrist back to where you started.
Repeat 8 to 12 times.

Towel squeeze

slide 4 of 10

slide 4 of 10, Towel squeeze,

Place a small towel roll on a table.
With your palm facing down, grab the towel. Squeeze it for about 6 seconds. Then slowly straighten your fingers to release the towel.
Repeat 8 to 12 times.

Resisted forearm pronation

slide 5 of 10

slide 5 of 10, Resisted forearm pronation,

Sit leaning forward with your legs slightly spread. Then place your forearm on your thigh with your affected hand and wrist in front of your knee.
Grasp one end of an exercise band with your palm up. Step on the other end.
Keeping your wrist straight, roll your palm inward toward your thigh for a count of 2. Then slowly move your wrist back to the starting position to a count of 5.
Repeat 8 to 12 times.

Resisted supination

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slide 6 of 10, Resisted supination,

Sit leaning forward with your legs slightly spread. Then place your forearm on your thigh with your affected hand and wrist in front of your knee.
Grasp one end of an exercise band with your palm down. Step on the other end.
Keeping your wrist straight, roll your palm outward and away from your thigh for a count of 2. Then slowly move your wrist back to the starting position to a count of 5.
Repeat 8 to 12 times.

Resisted ulnar deviation

slide 7 of 10

slide 7 of 10, Resisted ulnar deviation,

Sit leaning forward with your legs slightly spread. Then place your forearm on your thigh with your affected hand and wrist by the inside of your knee.
Grasp one end of an exercise band with your palm down. Step on the other end with the foot opposite the hand holding the band.
Slowly bend your wrist outward and toward your knee for a count of 2. Then slowly move your wrist back to the starting position to a count of 5.
Repeat 8 to 12 times.

Resisted radial deviation

slide 8 of 10

slide 8 of 10, Resisted radial deviation,

Sit leaning forward with your legs slightly spread. Then place your forearm on your thigh with your affected hand and wrist in front of your knee.
Grasp one end of an exercise band with your hand facing toward your other thigh. Step on the other end.
Slowly bend your wrist upward for a count of 2. Then lower your wrist slowly to a count of 5.
Repeat 8 to 12 times.

Resisted wrist flexion

slide 9 of 10

slide 9 of 10, Resisted wrist flexion,

Sit leaning forward with your legs slightly spread. Then place your forearm on your thigh with your affected hand and wrist in front of your knee.
Grasp one end of an exercise band with your palm up. Step on the other end.
Slowly bend your wrist upward for a count of 2. Then lower your wrist slowly to a count of 5.
Repeat 8 to 12 times.

Resisted wrist extension

slide 10 of 10

slide 10 of 10, Resisted wrist extension,

Sit leaning forward with your legs slightly spread. Then place your forearm on your thigh with your affected hand and wrist in front of your knee.
Grasp one end of an exercise band with your palm down. Step on the other end.
Slowly bend your wrist upward for a count of 2. Then lower your wrist slowly to a count of 5.
Repeat 8 to 12 times.

Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor or nurse advice line (811 in most provinces and territories) if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.

Care instructions adapted under license by your healthcare professional. If you have questions about a medical condition or this instruction, always ask your healthcare professional. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information.