“Hip fractures are generally the result of losing your balance, slipping, or tripping over something,” says Mark Pressman, MD, a board certified orthopaedic surgeon on the Medical Staff of Penn Medicine Princeton Health. “Balance issues become more common as we age and, coupled with the fact that our bones weaken over the years, a fall, even from a short distance, can easily result in a hip fracture.”
Take Precautions to Reduce Your Risk
Taking a few precautions to avoid debilitating falls is something everyone should consider. These include:
- With your doctor’s approval, exercise to promote strong bones and good balance.
- Keep bones strong by getting enough calcium, eating a healthy diet, not smoking, and limiting alcohol consumption.
- Assess your home for tripping hazards such as throw rugs, electrical cords, and awkwardly placed furniture.
- Use a cane or walker if you feel unsteady.
- Make sure your environment is well lit and your eyesight is at its best.
- Install grip bars in your bathroom to improve stability.
- Take your time rising from a seated position.
Seek Treatment Quickly
In the event of a fall resulting in a hip fracture, prompt medical treatment is important. “It is important to keep in mind that a hip fracture often requires surgical intervention,” says Dr. Pressman. “Since one of the main signs of a fracture is the inability to put weight on the leg, severe hip or groin pain, and swelling, anyone suffering from a hip fracture may require strong medication and may have difficulty getting around. The longer they wait for treatment, the more medical risks develop, such as health deterioration due to immobility and the possible impact of continuing pain medications on the body.”
In most cases, the hip is either partially or totally replaced, or a repair procedure can be performed using a minimally invasive x-ray-guided technique. Physical therapy is an important part of the recovery process and may begin as early as the same day as surgery.