Conversation: The conversation between human and AI assistant.
[|Human|] I fell and broke my hand (5th metatarsal bone as it sits at the wrist, bone had 5 breaks. I had a cast for 4 weeks. When they took off the cast, my hand was purple and swollen. The PA, told me my break was healed and I could resume normal activities. Since the removal of the cast, I have constant pain along the pinky side of my hand, stabbing pain.(sometimes feels like pins/needles, but more like stabbing needles. it runs down the outside of the hand and includes the palm to the base of the thumb. Also have pain across the top of the hand, when gripping a pen/pencil, steering wheel. you get the idea. Is this normal? is there something else wrong in the hand-wrist? I really didn t like the hand dr that I saw, but with my insurance, he maybe my only option. Trying to avoid him if at all possible.
[|AI|]  Hi, It seems you got fracture in base of 5th metacarpal bone. You were treated with splint for 4 weeks. Normal duration for fracture to heal in this bone is 4 to 6 weeks. If pain is constant after removal of cast reasons may be; 1. Stiffness of finger joints 2. Delayed healing at the fracture site.  If movements are causing pain, the cause can be due to stiffness. Treatment of stiffness is physiotherapy with range of motion, exercises and hot water fomentation.  X-ray after removal of cast is helpful to see progress of bone union. If not done, please get it done. If X-ray is showing delayed union, treatment would be rest further for 2 weeks in crêpe bandage. Visit to orthopedic surgeon for detailed clinical examination is recommended.  Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.