A hip protector is a special form of padded pants or underwear designed to prevent hip fractures after a fall.
What is a hip fracture (broken hip)?
A hip fracture (or broken hip) is a break in the upper part of the hip bone (femur) where it joins to the pelvis.
What could happen after a fracture?
A hip fracture can impact a person’s life drastically, especially if you’re elderly. Many people cannot walk or do what they did before. Some people may need more help to stay at home, or may not be able to stay in their own home. A hip fracture dramatically increases a person’s risk of death, with 1 in 3 adults over age 50 dying within 12 months of suffering a hip fracture.
What causes a hip fracture?
Falls are the most common cause of hip fracture. Most of these fractures happen in people over 75 years of age.
Can I lower my chances of a fracture?
Yes. You can lower your chances of experiencing a hip fracture by wearing hip protectors. Doing so can reduce your risk of breaking your hip by 80%. Hip protectors are designed to be worn even when sleeping.
What is a hip protector?
A hip protector is underwear, shorts or pants with special padding on both sides to protect your buttocks in the event of a fall. There are a variety of different styles (and companies) offering these products, and the quality and effectiveness of these products vary. Hip protectors are commonly used by older people who are at higher risk of falls and hip fractures.
How do hip protectors work?
The hip protector absorbs the impact of a fall and helps protect the bones. When wearing a hip protector, the cushion should always be kept above the hip bone. To find the size that suits you, measure the widest part of your hips.
How to choose a hip protector?
Talk to your nurse, doctor or occupational or physical therapist for advice on which hip protector is right for you. There are several brands available and sizes differ by manufacture. Nightingale Medical carries hip protectors by ComfiHip and Safehip and during the month of November, they are 10% off with promo code FPM21 (online only).
For more information please visit https://nightingalemedical.ca/product-category/home-health-care/hip-protectors/
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