Hip fracture is a common condition among older people. In fact, in every ten hip fractures, around nine happen to people aged 65 or above. According to the Amsterdam Nursing Home in New York City, the risk of hip fractures increases twice every five years after the age of 50. According to a study done by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, by 90 years of age, one in eight men and one in four women will experience a hip fracture. Professionals at Potomac home care company share risk factors and symptoms of elderly hip fractures.

Risk Factors

Due to physical frailty, lack of balance, and poor eyesight, seniors are at a high risk of falling, which can lead to hip fractures. Seniors fall as they lose their coordination. According to Dr. Charles A. Peterson, an orthopedic surgeon at Seattle Orthopedic and Fracture Clinic, when seniors fall, they are likely to have a higher frequency of fractures because of osteoporosis and weaker bones.

There are a number of risk factors associated with a broken hip, including:

1. Osteoporosis

In this condition, the bones become weaker and susceptible to fractures. In the U.S., around 10 million people already have osteoporosis, and 80 per cent of those are affected. In these people, simple weight-bearing activities can cause a broken hip. Lack of calcium and vitamin D, as well as hormonal imbalances, contribute to the development of osteoporosis.

• Age:

The risk of hip fractures increases with age, particularly after age 65. Aging leads to a reduction in bone density and muscle mass, making bones more susceptible to fractures.

• Gender

Women are at a higher risk of hip fractures compared to men, primarily due to the hormonal changes that occur during menopause, leading to decreased bone density.

• Heredity

Individuals with smaller bone structures or slender frames, such as Asians and Caucasians, face an increased risk of developing osteoporosis, a condition characterized by weakened bones and heightened susceptibility to fractures.

• Nutrition

Inadequate nutrition significantly elevates the risk of hip fractures. Eating disorders, such as bulimia and anorexia, can detrimentally impact bone health, exacerbating the susceptibility to fractures in the elderly.

• Tobacco and Alcohol Consumption

Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption are primary contributors to bone loss, diminishing bone density and increasing the vulnerability to fractures, especially among older adults.

• Previous Fractures

Individuals with a documented history of fractures, particularly those occurring in weight-bearing areas like the hip or spine, face an elevated risk of experiencing future hip fractures.

• Medication Side Effects

Taking more than four medications at a time or any psychoactive medications can pose some side effects, leading to imbalance and falls.

• Home Environment

Electrical wires and throw rugs pose tripping hazards, while the absence of grab bars, stair railings, poor lighting, and unstable furniture increases the risk of falls. Addressing these environmental factors is crucial for preventing accidents among older people.

• Medical Conditions

Nervous system disorders such as Parkinson's disease, dementia, multiple sclerosis, and depression, and endocrine disorders, such as type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid disorders, prolonged bed rest, gastrointestinal disorders, or immobility can increase the risk of hip fractures either by increasing chance of falls or through bone loss.

Symptoms

Oftentimes, a person may know immediately that he or she has broken a hip. Typically, in fractures, severe pain is felt in the groin or hip areas, and the senior may not be able to walk. Contusions, stiffness, and inflammation in the hip area are some other symptoms. The leg on the affected side may appear or feel shorter than the other leg or even turn outward. If the hip bone's head is impacted on the hip bone's neck, the seniors may not be aware that they have fractured a hip because such a break can be less painful.

Conclusion

Hip fractures in the senior years can be life-threatening. Caregivers should make sure their aging loved one gets immediate medical assistance. Surgery is done within 24 hours after the fracture to fix it. Your loved one's doctor may diagnose a hip fracture simply from the symptoms, but an MRI or X-ray is done to verify the type, area, and intensity of the fracture. However, having a professional caregiver at home can ensure your loved one remains safe. Consider hiring reliable Home Care, Potomac families trust.