As we saw in a recent article, pressure ulcers remain a serious problem. A plethora of medical and “mechanical” risk factors combine, leading to more than 400,000 pressure ulcers in the UK each year.

We could say that it’s not what you “put on” an at risk foot that provides protection - it’s what you take off - specifically pressure and shear. The PRAFO designs are effective means of doing just that.

Let’s take a look at what pressure ulcers are and why they seem to be so difficult to deal with. Sadly, this 2020 article could just as easily been written 20 or 30 years ago - the problems are still with us. The PRAFO range of ankle foot orthoses remain one of the most effective ways of preventing or treating heel ulcers - whatever the year.

It is important that the large number of sick and vulnerable patients with COVID-19 in our Hospitals do not develop iatrogenic harm. High dependency units and all wards need to remember to protect vulnerable groups of patients from more than the impact of the virus - the issue of iatrogenic harm is of serious concern because it amplifies the impact on the individual and NHS resources. If vulnerable patients develop any form of iatrogenic harm it will not only put them at greater risk but will probably delay discharge and use extra NHS resources that at this time are more precious than ever.

Lack of mobility tends to increase the risk of pressure sores and the heel is particularly vulnerable to ulceration. The PRAFO® range is perfect for all patients with compromised mobility and at risk of developing pressure sores at the heel.  It is not the only device on the market now but it still offers the best spread of functionality. When thinking about pressure relief it is important to remember some broader clinical objectives that can shape your choice of device.

The 650SKG is an easy to fit PRAFO (Pressure Relief Ankle Foot Orthosis) design that is ideal to protect the heels of an at-risk patient. It is only the only design on the market with a metal upright and intrinsic walking base to ensure safe positioning and protection of the heel whether the patient is in bed, wheelchiar or carrying out limited ambulation. Here we look at fitting and adjustment.

The PRAFO designs of ankle foot orthoses are an effective way of (ideally) preventing or healing pressure sores at the heel. So why are these designs successful in achieving this in both immobile and ambulant patients? The answer to the PRAFO’s effectiveness is very simple - even if understanding how pressure ulcers can develop is complex. In this article we touch on the biomechanics of pressure ulcers.