These factors may increase your risk of a hip fracture

A combination of factors may increase your risk of a hip fracture, including:

Any injury of any kind is unwanted and painful.  However, Hip Fractures can be especially debilitating.  A fracture can be unexpected and at an inconvenient or even dangerous time. Living with a hip fracture challenging and often painful.

Here are some of the factors that can lead to hip fractures.

Age.  The rate of hip fractures increases substantially with age. As you age, your bone density and muscle mass both decrease. Older age may also bring vision and balance problems, along with slower reaction time to avoid falling when you feel unsteady. If you’re inactive, your muscles tend to weaken even more as you age. All of these factors combined can increase your risk of a hip fracture.

Your sex. Women lose bone density at a faster rate than men do. The drop in estrogen levels that occurs with menopause accelerates bone loss, increasing the risk of hip fractures. However, men also can develop dangerously low levels of bone density.

Chronic medical conditions. Osteoporosis is the most powerful risk factor for hip fracture, but other medical conditions may lead to fragile bones. These include endocrine disorders, such as an overactive thyroid, and intestinal disorders, which may reduce your absorption of vitamin D and calcium.

Certain medications. Cortisone medications, such as prednisone, can weaken bone if you take them long term. In some cases, certain drugs or the combination of medications can make you dizzy and more prone to falling.

Nutritional problems. Lack of calcium and vitamin D in your diet when you’re young lowers your peak bone mass and increases your risk of fracture later in life. Serious eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia, can damage your skeleton by depriving your body of essential nutrients needed for bone building.

Physical inactivity. Weight-bearing exercises, such as walking, help strengthen bones and muscles, making falls and fractures less likely. If you don’t regularly participate in weight-bearing exercise, you may have lower bone density and weaker bones.

Tobacco and alcohol use. Smoking and drinking alcohol can interfere with the normal processes of bone building and remodeling, resulting in bone loss.

If you feel you may be at risk of hip fracture and would like to discuss preventive measures, or if you have suffered a hip fracture and would like to discuss recovery, please call me at 352-464-1645, or contact me online here: Contact

Best in health,
David Bibbey L.Ac, (Dipl. Ac – NCCAOM)
352-464-1645