What is typically the first symptom of a Bennett fracture?

The first symptom of a Bennett fracture, commonly associated with the base of the first metacarpal bone, is swelling around the carpometacarpal (CMC) joint. This swelling occurs as a result of the fracture and the inflammation that follows injury. The CMC joint is critical for thumb function, and trauma in this area often leads to localized swelling, which can be quite pronounced.

Severe wrist pain, decreased thumb movement, and numbness in the index finger may develop as the injury progresses or if there is additional involvement, but they are not typically the initial symptom that presents with a Bennett fracture. The swelling serves as a more immediate and visible indicator of injury in the first metacarpophalangeal region, often prompting further evaluation and treatment.