I have had pain in the 5th metacarpal for approx 3-4 months. I've had no obvious swelling and no bruising what so ever. I am able to move my hand, with some pain. and when I grasp objects or someone shakes my hand or touches it, it hurts a lot. When I run my hand over that area I can feel what seems like a hard bump on that bone. I went in for an Xray recently and when my doctor got the results he said it was a contusion. Everything I read said that a contusion involves bruising and obvious swelling of that affected area. And usually is resolved with in 1-2 weeks. Have you heard of a hand contusion of the 5th metacarpal lasting for several months.