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