The Basics of a Hip Fracture

Each year, hip fractures cause severe injuries to thousands of adults 65 and older. A hip fracture is when the upper portion of your thighbone breaks, causing pain and stiffness in your hip and leg area. Although hip fractures can occur at any age, you may be more at risk of breaking your hip as you get older. After an injury like this, it’s essential to visit a trusted medical center and arrange for in-home assistance. In this article, St. Barnabas Health System discusses hip fractures and the resources available for those in recovery.

Causes and Symptoms of Hip Fractures

Many risk factors indicate you could experience a fractured hip at some point in your life. Not only does getting older put you at risk of developing osteoporosis, but it can also play a role in diminishing vision and balance. As a result, falling is a major cause of hip fractures. Some additional risk factors for a broken hip include:

  • Gender: Research shows that women are more susceptible to developing osteoporosis. Weakening bones make it easier for women to sustain hip fractures.
  • Inadequate nutrition: Nutrients like calcium, protein, and vitamin D all promote bone strength. When an individual lacks these nutrients, they are at a higher risk of breaking a hip.

Mobility issues and everyday accidents can also result in a broken hip, especially at an older age. The symptoms associated with a hip fracture can be excruciating, making it nearly impossible to walk or move around. If you have recently taken a fall or been in an accident, you may feel the following symptoms:

  • Bruising, stiffness, and swelling in the hip
  • Pain in your hip or groin
  • Inability to put weight on or walk on the hip or leg
  • Injured leg appearing to be shorter

Recovering from this type of injury can be challenging, especially if surgical repair or replacement is necessary. During this time, professional home care services are truly invaluable, particularly if you live alone and a friend or loved one isn’t available to help.

Developing a Care Plan with St. Barnabas

A home health plan from St. Barnabas can arrange for acute skilled care and assistance with everyday tasks that may otherwise be difficult to perform on your own as you regain your strength and mobility. These tasks may include:

  • Personal care (bathing, dressing, and grooming)
  • Light housekeeping and laundry
  • Transportation to and from appointments
  • Errands and grocery pick-up
  • Meal preparation and serving
  • Pet care

Each care plan is designed to address the unique needs of the individual. Our skilled nurses, aides, and specialists provide a wide range of assistance and do so with a sense of compassion and concern for your needs, helping you feel comfortable and well cared for during this difficult time.

At St. Barnabas, we offer a variety of generalized medicine, rehabilitation programs, physical therapyspecialized medicine, and additional care services to those in the Greater Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania area. For more information about how we can help as you heal from a fractured hip, contact us today.

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