Contributing Factors to Hip Fractures among Older Adults
Most hip fractures can be caused by falls or blunt force, such as a car accident. Some older adults might be more at risk than others. Knowing the contributing factors may minimize the risk of fractures in seniors. The following conditions shared by Chandler respite care providers may contribute to the risk of a hip fracture:
Having Osteoporosis in Your Family Tree
When you have osteoporosis, your bones can break from a minor fall. When a senior loved one in your immediate family has osteoporosis, your risk of having the condition increases. If your loved one has osteoporosis, medications are available to increase his or her bone density.Too Little Activity
Bones need weight-bearing exercise like walking to stay strong. Increasing physical activity with weight-bearing exercises may reduce the risk of hip fractures if your loved one were to fall.Medications That Can Cause Dizziness
Medications may weaken the bones when used over long periods. There are other medications known to cause dizziness. Combining medications may increase the risk of falls and fractures.Your Gender and Ethnicity
Most hip fractures up to 70 percent affect senior women. The loss of estrogen after menopause may contribute to bone loss, especially if your loved one is Asian or Caucasian. Women over 65 should have a bone density screening to evaluate the strength of their bones.Malnutrition
If your loved one’s diet was lacking nutrients as a child, he or she had an eating disorder, or he or she has an increased risk of a hip fracture. This is especially true if seniors did not get enough calcium and vitamin D.Chronic Medical Conditions
Some medical conditions may increase the risk of falling, others can cause bone loss. Rheumatic disease, endocrine disorders, gastrointestinal disorders, nervous system disorders, depression, and prolonged bed rest, increase the risk of a fractured hip.Tobacco or Alcohol Use
Alcohol and tobacco can both lower bone density in seniors. Drinking alcohol may affect the balance or cause your loved one to fall. Recovery after a hip fracture typically requires physical therapy and muscle re-education. Minimize the risk of falls and fractures by keeping walkways clear of hazards, using stair rails, and placing non-slip mats by kitchen sinks and tubs. A well-balanced diet and weight-bearing exercise can reduce the risk of a hip fracture. If your loved one has fallen before and lives alone at home, consider getting home care.Chandler families can live comfortably knowing their elderly loved one is in safe hands.Sources:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/osteoporosis/in-depth/osteoporosis/art-20044989
https://www.health.harvard.edu/pain/hip-fracture
https://www.webmd.com/osteoporosis/what-happens-when-you-have-a-hip-fracture#2
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hip-fracture/symptoms-causes/syc-20373468
https://www.healthline.com/health/hip-fracture-surgeries#types
https://www.aplaceformom.com/senior-care-resources/articles/hip-fractures-in-the-elderly
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