Hip fractures are the leading cause of disability in individuals over 65 years of age. A hip fracture is defined as an injury that includes a partial or complete fracture of the femur (thigh bone) at the hip joint.While all ages and genders may suffer from a hip fracture, especially due to automobile accidents or contact sports, fractures that occur without other injuries affect nearly 9 out of 10 hip fracture patients. Senior women are more likely to suffer from a hip fractures than men, due to weak bones or conditions related to osteoperosis or menopause.Learning identify risks for hip fracture may lead individuals to take preventative measures against such injury, as well as to prevent complications resulting from hip fracture, inclduing loss of mobility, loss of motion and loss of independence.
Instructions
1. Note your age and gender. Are you a woman over the age of 65? Are you Caucasian? Then you are at increased risk for hip fractures. Women suffering from osteoperosis are especially prone to hip fractures. Medications to increase bone mass may be available from your physician, but the best way to maintain bone strength and mass is to exerise regularly, utilizing weight-bearing exercises.
2. Do you lose your balance or fall often? Falls are the leading cause of hip fractures in both older men and women. Conditions such as obesity, Parkinson's and stroke often cause individuals to lose their sense of balance. To prevent falls, use canes, walkers or other tools to help maintain stability or balance. Make sure carpets are securely fastened to stairs and floors and remove excess clutter from your floorspace.
3. Examine your family history. It is believed that hip fractures may be prevalent in certain families, due to a wide range of medical conditions such as arthritis, osteoporosis, or weak bones caused by malnutrition or poor eating habits.
4. Take a look at your lifestyle. Do you sit a lot, or do you engage in regular exercise? You are at an increased risk for hip fractures if you lack physical activity that keeps bones, tendons, ligaments and muscles healthy and strong. Remember, use it or lose it!
5. Do you engage in contact sports? If so, your risks for a hip fracture have increased, regardless of your age. Always wear protective gear and sit out the game if you have experienced any injury to your hip area until you get the go-ahead from your doctor.
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