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Overview
Fight bites get infected easily.
Fractures may need a splint.
When to get medical care
Call 911Not an emergency.
Get care todayCut over knuckle or deformity.
See a doctor soonNot usually urgent.
Causes
Caused by punching.
OwieClear has pages on 1 condition that can cause hand pain after punching something. Each shows how soon to get care.
Common causes
- Boxer's fracture (hand bone broken from a punch)Often needs care today
A break in the hand bone behind the pinky or ring knuckle, usually from punching a wall or something hard.
What you can do at home
- Ice.
Medicines
Splint; antibiotics for bites.
At the doctor
X-ray.
Questions you may be asked
- Injury
The exam
A hand exam.
Tests
- X-ray
Prevention
Manage anger.
- Avoid punching
Check your symptoms
Most symptoms have more than one possible cause. The symptom checker looks at all of your symptoms together, plus your age, and shows how soon to get care.
Sources
Last updated 2026-11-13.