Tips to recover fast from hip fractures

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A hip fracture is a serious injury, which can become life-threatening, especially in the case of very old patients. Hip fractures are almost always treated with surgery – and while surgery may be an invasive procedure, it is far more preferable than nonsurgical treatments (considered only in few cases), since the prognosis is much better. On the brighter side, half of the people who suffer a hip fracture regain almost 100% of their pre-fracture mobility after surgery. To hasten recovery and avoid painful complications, here are a few recommended suggestions.

1) Schedule surgery within 48 hours

Many studies recommend that for optimal recovery, hip fractures should be operated upon as soon as possible, preferably within 48 hours. A delay in surgery has shown to increase the risk of death and pressure sores. Therefore, choosing a hospital that is well-equipped for emergency surgeries should be your immediate priority. Of course, if there are other complications, such as cardiovascular issues, or if the patient is on blood thinners, then surgery may have to be delayed. But it helps to keep the need for speed in mind while discussing the next course of action with your doctor.

2) Get moving as soon as safely possible

Hip fractures can be fatal – not because of the fracture itself – but because it renders a person immobile for prolonged periods, opening the door to complications such as pneumonia, blood clots, bed sores and infection. That is why an early surgery is recommended. The second most important step is to get moving as soon as possible, post-surgery. Of course, these movements will be small ones in the beginning, like turning over to one side, or just sitting up. However, in order to move towards complete recovery, it is essential to push yourself and start taking baby steps, literally and figuratively. For maximum recovery, consider focusing on these 3 key components – recovery of mobility (to improve muscle function), of muscle strength (to prevent permanent atrophy), and of balance (to prevent falls in the future).

3) Regular exercise is key to full recovery

While getting back to normal can take anywhere between 6 months and a year, a report in the Journal of the American Medical Association shows that simple, functional exercises (which mimic our day-to-day activities) – like rising from a chair, picking groceries, climbing stairs, etc. – can make a big difference in recovery. In fact, people who did these exercises thrice a week for 6 months, following the hospital rehabilitation period, regained better function and mobility than a comparison group who didn’t. Also, always consult with a physical therapist and make sure you’re on the right track, in order to avoid setbacks and complications.

4) Eat right to get back on your feet fast

Diet can provide a significant nudge towards recovery – a well-balanced, nutritious diet should be front and center in your post-surgery health plan. To boost bone strength, make sure you get enough of proteins (meat, fish, egg, dairy products), calcium (dairy products, almonds, greens), vitamin D (fish, yogurt, egg, orange juice), vitamin C (citrus fruits, green veggies), iron (red meat, leafy greens, egg, oily fish) and potassium (bananas, potatoes, orange juice, nuts, seeds, fish, meat and milk) through your daily intake.

5) Watch out for depression

Hip fractures are often associated with depression – if you’re the patient’s caregiver, keep an eye out for signs and symptoms which include hopelessness, negative thinking and isolation. Make sure you talk to your loved one and have them voice their feelings. If you think they’re falling into depression, get them to talk to a counselor and seek a support group.

On a parting note – a hip fracture is a serious injury, but with careful treatment and management, you can regain your health and freedom of mobility as it was before.

About Star Imaging

To check your bone health and be on the proactive side, consider getting a bone densitometer scan done. Star Imaging offers the advanced DEXA scanner that quickly and accurately measures bone density. Call 020 4132 2222 for more information.

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