A hip fracture is a significant injury, and many Indiana residents who suffer hip fractures face a long road to recovery. Research shows that most hip fractures occur after falls, so reducing an individual’s fall risks should also lower the chances of that individual suffering a hip fracture.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, falls cause more than 95% of today’s hip fractures.
How often Americans suffer hip fractures
Falls are prevalent among older adults. Each year, about 300,000 older adults check into hospitals due to hip fractures. The majority, or about 75%, of those who do so are female, and this may be due in part to the fact that women are more likely than men to have osteoporosis. Also, most broken hips that result from falling happen when an individual falls sideways.
How to help prevent falls and hip fractures
Individuals who are older or who otherwise face a high likelihood of falling and breaking a hip should talk to their doctors about what they might do to reduce fall risks. In some cases, certain prescription medications may make an individual more likely to fall. Other factors, such as vision issues, may also contribute to an older adult’s fall risk. Doctors may also recommend that patients who face a high risk of falling begin taking Vitamin D supplements, among other possible preventative measures.
While physical condition affects an individual’s chances of falling, so, too, do environmental factors. Those who face a high risk of falling may need to modify their living environments to make them safer and more navigable.
