Do You Suffer From Osteoporosis? How To Reduce Your Risk Of Osteoporotic Fractures

If you suffer from osteoporosis, you're at an increased risk for osteoporotic fractures. One of the reasons is because osteoporosis diminishes bone density and makes them more fragile. As a result, one fall can lead to a fracture. Unfortunately, osteoporosis also makes it more difficult for fractures to heal. One way to reduce your chances of suffering from an osteoporotic fracture is to take precautions to avoid falls. The precautions described below will help you reduce your chances of falling, and suffering from an osteoporotic fracture:

Give Yourself a Clear Path

You might not realize this, but your home is probably the most hazardous place you can walk when you have osteoporosis. One way to reduce the risk is to always be sure that you have a clear path wherever you go. That can be difficult when your home is filled with clutter. To avoid falling, always give yourself a clear path. Remove any clutter that might pose a trip and fall accident. Have someone move chairs and other furniture out of the path that you usually walk through. It's also important that you secure rugs so that they don't pose a risk when you're walking.

Wear the Right Shoes

If you have slippery floors in your home, you should never go barefooted, or wear socks without shoes. Going barefooted, or wearing socks on bare floors can put you at risk for slip and fall accidents. For maximum protection, wear low-heeled slip-on shoes. Shoes with heels or shoelaces can put you at risk for falls.

Take Special Precautions in the Bathroom

If you have osteoporosis, the bathroom contains many hazards that could lead to slip and fall accidents. Those accidents could all result in osteoporotic fractures. To prevent bathroom-related injuries, you should take a few precautions. First, place non-skid stickers on your bathroom floor, and on the bottom of your bathtub. Second, remove rugs that you could get your feet caught up in. Third, place a shower chair in the shower so that you can keep your balance while you shower. Finally, install a grab bar in the shower, and next to the toilet.

Work on Your Balance

When you have osteoporosis, it's important that you work on your balance. Spending a few minutes improving your balance can help reduce your risk of falling, which will also reduce your risk of osteoporotic fractures. One way to work on your balance is to do a couple simple exercises several times each day. First, stand in front of your counter and grasp it. While grasping the counter, stand on one leg for about a minute. Place that leg back on the ground and repeat the exercise with your other leg. Repeat the exercise several times each day.

Don't take chances with your bones. If you've got osteoporosis, talk to your doctor about ways you can reduce your risk of osteoporotic fractures.

Contact a medical office like Radius for more information and assistance. 


Share