Bed Sore FAQ » Bed Sore FAQ: Bed Sores on Heels

Medical Facilities Are Not Doing Enough To Prevent Pressure Ulcers On Patients’ Heels

admin — Sat, 03 Sep 2011 14:53:04 +0000

The physical make up of the foot also makes the treatment of heel pressure sores difficult for the facility and particularly disabling for the patient. The calcaneus is the largest bone in the foot, yet covered be relatively little muscle making it particularly susceptible to damage from unrelieved pressure.

Even relatively young and healthy patients in nursing homes and hospitals are at risk for developing pressure sores on their heels because many staff in nursing homes and hospitals are simply unaware of the potential risk and commonly used bed sore risk assessments may not take into consideration elements unique to heel pressure sores.

In particular, patients with suffering from hip and leg fractures are at risk, along with patients in intensive care who may have compromised blood pressure due to trauma are at an increased risk for developing pressure sores on the heels. Facilities need to be focused on these groups of patients — and any patient with limited mobility, as they remain at risk for developing heel, foot and ankle pressure ulcers.

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Why are patients recovering from a hip fracture susceptible to develop pressure ulcers?

admin — Wed, 06 Apr 2011 19:08:04 +0000

Almost 45% of patients recovering from a hip fracture will develop some type of pressure ulcer (similarly referred to as: bed sore, pressure sore or decubitus ulcer) during their recovery.

The primary areas where patients recovering from a hip fracture develop pressure ulcers are on their hips (usually the non-operated side) and their heels.

There may be several explanations why patients with hip fractures may develop pressure ulcers, but studies consistently point towards immobility and the lack of preventative measures implemented by medical personnel.

Pressure ulcers on the heels can develop in patients with hip fractures due to the fact that there can be decreased circulation in the legs following a fracture and surgery. Additionally, many patients recovering from a hip fracture may be administered pain medications that limit their ability to perceived pressure in the area.

Medical facilities including nursing homes and hospitals, should be aware of the risks associated with the development of pressure sores in this particular group of patients and implement care accordingly. Regular body scans in use of pressure relieving boots are just several measure facilities can take to minimize a patients risk of developing pressure ulcers on their heels.

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admin — Sun, 20 Mar 2011 14:36:08 +0000

Although the news regarding the horrific physical and emotional impact of bed sores (also called decubitus ulcers, pressures sores or pressure ulcers) surely is on all respectable medical professionals radar screens, bed sores in nursing homes and hospitals continue to plague individuals in all demographics. In order to improve patient care, bed sore prevention must be a priority at all nursing homes and hospitals.

Should a bed sore develop, staff must be diligent in identifying the wound as quickly as possible an implement the use of medical equipment such as pressure relieving mattresses and other pressure relief devices such as heel protectors to prevent the wounds from advancing.

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Are bed sores on the heels common?

admin — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 13:18:04 +0000

Yes. Call them what you’d like bed sore, pressure sores or decubitus ulcer on heels are the second most common area for bed sores to develop (after the buttock or coccyx area). Particularly in the bed-bound population, patients are susceptible to developing bed sores on their heels due to the inherent bony prominences and thin tissue covering the heels. These physical features of heels can result in the rapid accumulation of pressure that may result in decreased blood flow, break-down of tissue and subsequent development of decubitus.

Another complicating factor that can make bed sores on the heels difficult to diagnose and treat is that many non-ambulatory patients have peripheral neuropathy, that may result in decreased sensation in the heel area. The decreased sensation and diminished ability to perceive pain may result in a delay in treatment.

Given the inherent risk of developing bed sores on heels and ankles, medical facilities should regularly examine patients who are at risk. In addition to encouraging patients to be active (if possible), staff in nursing homes and hospitals should provide pressure relieving devices such as: boots, heel protectors, pressure relieving mattresses or even pillows to help alleviate pressure on the heal area.

When bed sores on heels are not timely treated, complications such as gangrene and osteomyelitis may develop. Depending on the severity of the wound, common treatments include surgical debridement and possibly amputation of the foot or leg.

Below is an example of heel protectors:

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