When you were a child or even in your 20s, breaking a bone typically required a significant fall. However, as you age, your bones begin to lose density, making fractures more likely.
Broken bones not only take longer to mend, but they can also be a symptom of more serious problems, especially in people over 50.
Red-flag fractures of the bones
You should discuss bone health and whether a bone density scan is something you should explore with your primary care physician if you experience certain midlife fractures.
The most frequent cause of bone density loss and the fractures that follow is osteoporosis. Rarer causes could include certain types of bone cancer or metabolic bone diseases like Paget's disease or osteomalacia.
Breaks that are red flags:
- wrist, hip, and spine fractures (the most common from osteoporosis)
- broken bones from falls that are at or below knee height
- spine fractures, which can occur as a result of back hyperextension or gradual compression
Preventing several bone fractures
When pressure is applied to the site of a fracture, some people experience acute sensitivity or pain, while some people may not even be aware that they have broken a bone.
If you don't experience any discomfort, spinal fractures may only become apparent as your height declines or your spine begins to curve.
After one fragility fracture, the likelihood of having another increases dramatically. Because of the catastrophic potential implications of these breakdowns, such as persistent pain and a loss of mobility, independence, and self-esteem, it is crucial to prevent them. There may be a need for long-term nursing home care.
You have a better chance of avoiding complications—and other fractures—when these alarming fractures are identified and correctly treated.
Halting bone deterioration
Osteoporosis is, in some ways, a disease of childhood.
The greatest strategy to prevent osteoporosis is to be active as a youngster, consume good nutrition, and engage in plenty of weight-bearing exercise early in life.
Fractures can be avoided by maintaining your muscle strength and balance throughout your lifetime.
In addition to vitamin D and calcium, healthy bones depend on these nutrients. Most adults need 1,000 or more IUs of vitamin D daily, and women over 50 and men over 70 need at least 1,200 mg of calcium daily.
While you can obtain vitamin D via exposure to natural sunlight and calcium from specific meals, many Americans also need supplementary supplements. You can receive these necessary nutrients in the best possible methods by consulting your doctor.
Avoiding falls
Some persons who are susceptible to fragility fractures avoid physical exercise out of fear of falling. However, such tactic exacerbates muscle weakness and actually raises the chance of falling.
Instead, put these advice into practice to avoid falling:
- Regularly engage in weight-bearing activities like walking, jogging, dancing, gardening, balance drills, or resistance band exercises.
- Use nightlights in the bedrooms, bathrooms, and corridors.
- Make sure there are handrails on both sides and that the stairs are well-lit.
- Add no-slip strips with adhesive to bathroom floors and bathtubs.
- Place grab bars next to bathtubs and toilets.
- Get out of a chair or bed cautiously.
- Be cautious when walking on polished surfaces in hotels, grocery stores, or banks. They might get risky and slippery.
- If you require additional stability, use a cane or walker.
- Instead of slick socks or awkward slippers, try stable DrLuigi Medial shoes that offer good traction.
L.F.
29.11.2022.