What Is a Hip Fracture?
A hip fracture is a severe injury that may impede your ability to walk. Most people fracture their hips at the upper part of the femur, where the thighbone meets the hip joint. The injury often requires surgery and physical therapy for one to make a full recovery. Learn more about the signs and symptoms of a broken hip and who is most at risk of the injury, here.
Signs and Symptoms of a Broken Hip
The symptoms immediately associated with a hip fracture vary according to how the fracture occurred and where. Generally, it takes some kind of blunt force to the hip area – such as a fall – for the bone to fracture. Here are some common signs of a broken hip:
- Not being able to walk or put weight on your leg after a fall
- Severe pain in your hip or groin
- Swelling or bruising on or near the hip
- Leg on the side of injured hip appears shorter than the other
- Leg on the side of injured hip is turned outward
If you are experiencing one or more of these symptoms, it does not necessarily indicate a hip fracture, but medical attention should be sought immediately. A doctor will need to X-Ray your hip to see if it is broken.
Who Is At Risk of a Broken Hip?
While anyone can break their hip, these fractures are more common among women and the elderly, due to decreased bone density and strength. Here are some more factors that put one at greater risk of fracturing their hip:
- Heredity. If your family members typically have a tall, thin frame or if any of them have fractured their hips before.
- Lack of activity. Those who do not get enough exercise that bears weight on their hips (even something as simple as walking) may not have strong hipbones.
- Improper nutrition. Calcium and vitamin D help our bones grow strong. Diets that lack these components may result in weak bones.
- Arthritis. Those with arthritis typically have weakened bones, putting them at greater risk of a hip fracture.
– Other medical conditions. Any conditions that cause dizziness or problems with balance may put one at greater risk of falling down, which can result in a broken hip.
