What is a hip fracture? A hip fracture is more than a broken
bone. If you are older, breaking your hip can mean a major
change in your life. You will likely need surgery, and it can
take as long as a year to recover. Activity and physical therapy
can help you get your strength and mobility back. You are likely
to need support from family or a caregiver as you recover. Most
hip fractures happen to people who are 65 or older. If you are
in this age group, you need to be extra careful to avoid falls.
Most people break their hip near the upper part of the thighbone
(femur). It usually happens near where the thighbone fits into
the hip joint. What causes hip fractures? Falls cause most hip
fractures in older adults. As you get older, your bones
naturally lose some strength and are more likely to break, even
from a minor fall. Children and young adults are more likely to
break a hip because of a bike or car accident or a sports
injury. Other things that increase your risk of breaking your
hip include: What are the