Osteoporosis - minimization of risk
Helpful tips to prevent falling thus avoiding bone fractures
80% of all bone fractures are the result of a fall. Therefore, in addition to bone stabilization by medication, minimizing the risk of falling is an important factor in avoiding bone fracture.
Physical causes of falling
Internal, orthopaedic and neurological illnesses play a part. Dizziness (e.g. high or low blood pressure, disorders of the cervical vertebra or of the inside of the ear) is a frequent cause for falling and should be examined. However, if the cause of dizziness cannot be eliminated then physical reactions should be exercised in order to avoid falling. Typical situations in which dizziness could occur should be avoided, e.g. standing up quickly, quick movements of the head etc. Regular eye examinations by an optician enable diagnosis and therapy of eye complaints in good time as well as obtaining the correct glasses. Changes to the hips, knees and feet often cause walking instability with buckling or twisting. In such cases it is sensible to use a walking aid or suitable walking shoes. It is especially important to do regular physical training of muscles and to exercise co-ordination. The use of hip protectors for preventing fractures of the neck of the femur are practical for those prone to repeated falls.
Removing obstacles to avoid tripping
1. Extension cables and telephone cables
It is quite easy to trip over extension cables which may be laying over the floor. In this respect additional electrical sockets installed by an electrician in the direct vicinity are helpful. However, if extension cables cannot be avoided then they should be secured with tape over their whole length of the floor. Use longer cables for the television, music station, heater or radiator so that you are able to place them over door frames or along skirting boards, this will reduce the danger of tripping over them. However, telephone cables should not be too long. If your telephone is situated in the hallway and you like to telephone from another room then a cordless phone would be more practical.
2. Lighting
Make certain there is good lighting on the stairs and install easy accessible light switches (illuminated switches) on the first and last stair. Night lights are also practical and produce added safety. Make life a little easier by installing a movement indicator on your bed so that it automatically switches the light on when you place your feet over the edge of the bed. By doing this you will not have to feel your way to the light switch or bedside lamp. Lighting in living area hallways should be bright but they must not dazzle! Semi-globe lights are well suited because the light does not directly beam to the ground. The distance between lights should be made so that the complete area is illuminated.
3. Stairs
Take care to have level, slip-free stairs. Carpet flooring on wooden stairs or rubber strips on stone stairs are slip resistant. Round-off protruding parts on the stairs, e.g. ends of the landing, stair edges and posts, so that you do not catch yourself on them or injure yourself on the sharp edges. Colour the first and last steps differently from the other steps. Immediately repair any damaged edges of the stairs.
Safe going up and safe coming down: banisters and hand rails. Make certain there are banisters on the free sides of the stairs, stair openings and stair platforms. Install hand rails even if there are only a few stairs. Hand rails must be easy to hold and be made so that nobody catches themselves on the ends or slips. The lateral distance of the hand rail from the surrounding parts should at least be 5 cm so that the rail can be well held.
Remove any obstacles from the stairs such as ledges with flowers, vases or any equipment and make certain that no pets roam the area. These are factors which can cause tripping. When transporting any loads make certain that they do not hinder vision. You must be able to recognise the next step. Do not use the stairs fully packed and in a hurry.
4. Carpets and rugs
Turned up ends and edges are typical tripping traps. You are able to obtain double-sided adhesive tape as well as non-slip material from specialized shops which, when correctly placed, eliminate the danger. Carpets and rugs can be ensured against slipping by using adhesive sheeting. For each type of flooring (e.g. stone, wood, PVC or carpeting) there is a suitable material obtainable from a specialized shop, e.g. double-sided adhesive sheeting, grid mats or tiles. Mats, rugs and carpets should be non-slip even when it is wet.
5. Bathroom
Ensure that the floor has a non-slip surface even when it is wet. Always carefully remove any soap remains instantly. Make certain that the shower and bath have non-slip mats or suction mats (renew regularly). Stable hand rails enable easy climbing in and out of the shower or bath. A stable seat can stop a fall with a person suffering from circulation problems in the night or mornings.
Snow and ice
In winter accustom yourself to the possibility of sudden bad weather conditions. A small reserve of preserves will save you a journey through snow and ice. In any case, wait until the pavement has been cleared and salted. If necessary cancel any appointments you may have. Make certain you wear shoes with non-slip profiled soles, even if it is just going to the post box or dustbin.
Garden and pathways
Ensure that garden pathways are maintained: remove branches and leaves as well as protruding roots, secure loose slabs and re-lay any slabs which may be protruding upwards. Select materials which are non-slip even when it is wet. Regularly remove any moss and earth. Steps and stairs should be fitted with banisters. The path from the street to the house door can be illuminated with a movement indicator. Make certain the ground is stable underneath garden chairs so they do not fall over. Fill in any holes in the lawn or flower beds.
Tidiness
Make certain that the way to the flat is not obstructed. Do not leave anything on the floor. Children and grand children like to leave their toys and shoes on the floor! It is different with guests: suddenly there is a bag here, a chair there as well as all the excitement involved: calmly plan everything!
If you take heed of these tips you will be able to achieve a great deal despite osteoporosis and all the risks connected with it. In this way you will considerably reduce the injury risk caused by a fall.
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