Falls in older persons occur commonly and usually result in injury. Fracture is a finding of traumatic injury to the bone. It damages the continuity of the bone.

People fall at every age, especially babies and older people( 65 and older). However, a fall at an older age can have serious consequences on your health and independence. It may cause a serious injury such as broken bones, a head injury, or a hip fracture.

How bad is my fall & fracture?

Mild: Minor or superficial injuries (mild swelling, bruising or skin discoloration) that can be treated at home (see the section below).

Moderate: You may experience pain, loss of limb strength, and difficulty in moving the limb. It requires medical treatment under your doctor’s supervision.

Severe: It involves displaced bone or open wound, loss of consciousness, heavy bleeding, and shortness of breath (dyspnea). Sometimes the bones are visible through the skin. It may limit self-care activities of daily life (eating, dressing, getting into or out of a bed or chair, taking a bath or shower, and using the toilet). It is an emergency that requires immediate treatment under your doctor’s supervision.

How to prevent fall?

• Get rid of things you could trip over.
• Add handrails inside and outside your bathroom and next to the toilet.
• Put railings on both sides of stairs.
• Install good lighting in your home. A well-lit home will help you avoid tripping over objects.
• Have your eyes checked by an eye doctor at least once a year, and be sure to update your eyeglasses if needed.
• Exercises to make your legs stronger and improve your balance.
• Use a walker if your doctor recommends it.

Managing mild fractures

• Try to stop bleeding as soon as possible. Apply pressure to the wound with a sterile bandage or a clean cloth.
• Stabilize the injured area. Don’t try to move or realign the bone or push a bone that’s sticking out back in.
• If professional help isn’t readily available, apply a splint to the area above and below the fracture sites. Padding the splints can help reduce discomfort.
• Apply ice packs to reduce swelling and relieve pain. Don’t apply ice directly to the skin. Wrap the ice in a towel or piece of clean cloth.

What are the causes?

• Balance problem(giddiness)
• Fatigue (Tiredness) due to chemotherapy and radiation therapy
• Muscle weakness(fatigue)
• Long term health condition
• Vision loss
• Old age
• Wet floors
• Slippery rugs