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Falls and Injury Prevention | |||||
| Falls and Fractures Osteoporotic bones are fragile, porous, and more prone to breaking than normal healthy bones. Osteoporotic fractures can occur in any part of the skeleton, but are most common at the wrist, spine and hip. There is a lot of pain and morbidity associated with all fractures, but it is the hip fracture that is the most devastating of all. Hip fracture is the most common reason of the permanent loss of elderly people's independence. Fractures of the hip are common injuries in older and elderly people, who have weakened bones and low muscle mass. In the frail elderly people, the thinned muscle lining around the hips leaves the bony area exposed and unprotected from the effects of common traumas, such as falling, slipping or tripping. Many hip fractures result from a sideway fall, which subjects the greater trochanteric area of the proximal femur to the force of the impact.  The hip can be best described as a ball and socket joint. The socket is located in the pelvis and the ball is the head of the femur (the thigh bone).You can feel the upper end of your thigh bone (the greater trochanter) moving, when you place your fingertips on the side of your hip, while slightly raising your knee. Hip fractures occur between the ball area and upper thigh or just below (the trochanteric area).The very top of the thigh bone in close proximity to the pelvic joint is the most vulnerable to fracture.(Your pelvic bone is located higher and further towards the front of the body and does not move on raising the knee.)  |
Preventing Falls Although anyone can fall, the risk of falling increases with age. This may be due to age-related health factors like impaired eyesight, compromised lower body strength, impaired mobility, poor balance and body agility. Risk of falls can also be caused by medication, especially if taking 4 or more different medicines or simply due to an unsafe living environment. As most falls occur at home, everyone - especially older or elderly people - should ensure that their home is safe and the likelihood of accidentally falling is reduced. Health advice should be considered and followed. Reduce the risk of falling at home  Ensure good lighting to avoid tripping over items not easily seen. Lights should be in all bedrooms as well as in halls, bathrooms and kitchens. Using self-adhesive non-skid mats and safety treads in showers, bathrooms and even bathtubs is most helpful! Install a nightlight to help you find light switches during the night. Remove all clutter from the floors and place handrails in bathrooms, by toilets and on staircases. Two sided rails provide the most effective support. Consider attaching safety treads to steps. If you have bare floors and use mats, always use non-skid pads underneath the mats to prevent accidental skidding. Do not store items in high places - such as high kitchen cupboards or top surfaces of wardrobes steps and ladders can be very unstable. Avoid climbing ladders, chairs or stools when alone!  |
Remove rugs from the floor or fasten them permanently with specific attention given to any loose ends. Do not leave telephone or electric cables and cords lying on the floor. Tie them with a tape and tuck them safely away from the proximity of walking areas. Wear shoes with non-slip soles. Avoid loose-fitting slippers that can cause tripping.tie shoe laces securely.
If you live alone -- ask your friends or relatives to check on you regularly. Important common sense advice: Have regular eye checks. Stay fit by exercising regularly to help maintain the strength of your muscles and bones Wear shoes and slippers that are well fitting, securely fastened and comfortable. Keep your feet healthy and pain free-get rid of hard skin, calluses and corns. Your doctor can refer you to a podiatrist. Use a walking stick when walking to help you to be more stable. When getting out of bed - take time; sit for a while before standing up - this will help you maintain your balance, which can be lost, if you get up too fast. Ask your doctor about the possible side effects of any medication that you are taking. See your doctor if you are experiencing dizziness or fainting. Limit alcohol intake. Stop smoking. Discuss you health concerns with your doctor, a nurse or a health visitor.
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Copyright 2007, Mecosta County Medical Center