Diseases and Conditions

Broken hand

Prevention

It's impossible to prevent the unforeseen events that often cause a broken hand. But these tips might offer some protection.

Build bone strength

To build strong bones:

  • Eat a nutritious diet with adequate calcium and vitamin D
  • Get plenty of weight-bearing exercise, such as brisk walking
  • Quit smoking if you're a smoker

Prevent falls

Hand fractures can occur when people fall forward onto an outstretched hand. To prevent this common injury:

  • Wear sensible shoes
  • Remove things you can trip over in your home, such as throw rugs
  • Light up your living space
  • Have your vision checked and, if needed, corrected
  • Install grab bars in your bathroom
  • Install handrails on your stairways
  • Avoid slippery surfaces, if possible, such as snow- or ice-covered walkways