What are the symptoms of a hip fracture?
Common signs of a hip fracture include:
- Severe pain in the hip or groin
- Inability to put weight on the leg
- Affected leg being shorter than the other
- The leg may be turned outwards
What causes a hip fracture?
Hip fractures are mostly caused by falls, especially in older adults. Other factors can include:
- Osteoporosis, which makes bones weaker
- High-impact sports injuries
- Being unsteady on your feet
How common are hip fractures?
Hip fractures are quite common, especially among older adults. Each year, tens of thousands of people in the UK experience a hip fracture.
Who is more likely to get a hip fracture?
Certain factors can increase the risk of hip fractures, including:
- Being over 65 years old
- Having osteoporosis or weak bones
- Doing less physical activity
- Taking medications that affect balance
How can I treat a hip fracture?
Treatment for a hip fracture usually involves surgery to fix the break. After surgery, rehabilitation is important to help recover. This might include:
- Physical therapy to improve strength and balance
- Staying active to support healing
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How to live with a hip fracture?
Living with a hip fracture can be challenging, but support and therapy can help. Important steps include:
- Working with healthcare providers for a tailored recovery plan
- Following prescribed exercises to regain strength
- Making home modifications for safety, like removing trip hazards
What’s the outlook for a hip fracture?
With proper treatment and rehabilitation, many people recover well from a hip fracture. However, it’s important to follow medical advice to prevent future fractures.
Final thoughts
A hip fracture can be serious, but with the right treatment, people can often recover. If you have concerns about hip fractures or your health, please speak to your GP or healthcare provider.
