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Older
Women Need to Watch Their Step
(HealthScoutNews)
-- Foot and ankle fractures are the second most common kind of
fractures in older women, second only to spinal fractures.
That's what researchers at the
University of Pittsburgh found, who report their study in the
May issue of The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery.
The study, which followed more
than 9,700 women, 65 and older, for 10 years, also found the risk
factors for foot fractures are different than those for ankle
fractures.
Women who suffered foot fractures
were generally older, had lower bone density (osteoporosis), were
less likely to be physically active, and were more likely to have
a previous history of fracture after age 50. The use of both long-
and short-acting sedatives greatly increased the risk of foot
fracture in this group of women, the study also found.
Women who suffered ankle fractures
were more likely to be overweight, more likely to have fallen
within the year before the study, more likely to be physically
active, and were slightly younger when they enrolled in the study.
As in previous studies, this study
found obesity was highly associated with ankle fractures. Osteoporosis
was not identified as a major factor in ankle fractures in this
study.
The researchers offer some ways
for older women to minimize the risk of foot and ankle fractures:
- Women who've had one or more
fracture after age 50 should have a bone density test to see
whether osteoporosis may be a factor.
- Women should have periodic, routine
bone density tests as they grow older.
- Postmenopausal women who are
overweight should discuss a weight-loss program with their doctors.
- Older women at high risk for
foot or ankle fractures should avoid high-impact activities
or exercises. They should also wear energy-absorbing shoes,
such as walking shoes or well-fitted sneakers.
More information
Here's where you can learn more
about protecting
your bones.
Reference
Source 101
For
more information on how to prevent other diseases, use
PreventDisease.com's "Quick
Prevention Resources".
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