As we age, our bone strength decreases. Osteoporosis is a disease that weakens bones, leading to the higher likelihood
of the bone fracturing or breaking. Osteoporosis develops over time, usually with no symptoms or discomfort until
a bone breaks. Thigh bone (femur) fractures most often occur in older people whose bones are weak, or in younger
people with high-energy injuries caused by incidents such as a car crash. In both the elderly and the young, the breaks
may extend into the knee joint and may shatter the bone into many pieces.
Common symptoms of thigh bone fracture include swelling and bruising, tenderness to touch, deformity where the thigh
or knee may look out of place, or the appearance of the leg looking shorter and crooked. Causes of thigh bone
fracture include osteoporosis, usually due to ageing, lack of nutrition such as calcium or vitamin D, hormonal
imbalance, gender (females are more prone to it), and lack of exercise.
If you suspect you may have osteoporosis,
talk to your orthopaedic specialist. Your doctor may perform a physical examination, followed by imaging
tests or bone density tests. Treatment typically includes non-surgical treatments such as adequate rest and pain
medications. However, if severe pain continues, surgery may be recommended.