How to Strengthen After a Hip Fracture

Hip fractures are most common among the elderly. As you age, your body loses the bone density that keeps your bones strong, and brittle bones are more susceptible to fractures. Hip fractures are rarely treatable without surgery. Even if you are lucky enough to be sent home without undergoing invasive surgery, you still must take proper care of your body. Your goal should be to heal while strengthening your body enough to prevent future hip problems.

Instructions

• 1

  Get plenty of rest. Whether your hip fracture required surgery or not, rest is still vital to your recovery. Going about your daily activities without putting pressure on your hip and exacerbating the problem may be impossible. Without ample rest, you risk further damage to your hip.

• 2

  Take your pain medication as needed. Do not try to tough it out and suffer through any pain you have after a hip fracture. Pain stresses your body and can hinder the healing process. Pain medication is prescribed to you to prevent this. Follow your doctor's instructions when taking pain medication, and alert him to any side effects you notice.

• 3

  Eat calcium-rich foods. Calcium helps strengthen bones and prevent osteoporosis. After a hip fracture, it is imperative that you give your bones the minerals they need to be as strong as possible. Calcium is found in milk, cheese, yogurt and dark green leafy vegetables such as spinach and turnip greens.

• 4

  Soak up some sunlight as soon as you are physically able. Exposure to sunlight boosts your vitamin D levels. Without adequate amounts of vitamin D, you will have trouble absorbing the calcium you receive from your food. Sunlight offers the added bonus of boosting your serotonin levels, which can improve your mood.

• 5

  Ask your doctor to refer you to physical therapist. A physical therapist can teach you basic exercises to strengthen your body after a hip fracture and reduce your overall recovery time. These exercises benefit your hip and help you gain mobility. An added benefit is that a physical therapist will also teach you exercises to do at home long after your recovery.

• 6

  Accept help from friends and family members. Although you may be frustrated that you are not able to do as many things for yourself as you would like to, do not try to force it. Your physical abilities will return in time. If others are willing to help facilitate your recovery, let them. You will be much stronger in the long run if you do not have to take care of all of your daily needs alone. Too much activity immediately after your injury can prolong your recovery time.