Pressure ulcers, once upon a time known as bedsores, are a serious and painful condition that can occur when there is prolonged pressure on the skin. When pressure is applied to the skin for an extended period of time, it can lead to a decrease in blood flow and oxygen to the affected area, causing the skin to break down and form a sore. I need to add a bit of clarification here because no one can know if there is a safe level of pressure or a safe period of application - extended amount of time might not be very long at all. It varies so much with individual circumstances. The safest thing to do is aim to completely offload the heel area.

Pressure ulcers are more likely to occur in people who are bedridden or have limited mobility, as well as those who have certain medical conditions that affect blood flow, such as diabetes.:

Pressure ulcers have been a serious healthcare issue for many decades. In fact, today, the NHS spends some £1.4m per day in dealing with them and of course this does not sum up the total economic and emotional cost. Pressure ulcers are often thought of as preventable and even a “failure of care” but they are a result of many factors both mechanical and medical and this complexity is perhaps the reason why we so often see them.
The PRAFO range of ankle foot orthoses have evolved to be popular and effective devices for the prevention and treatment of pressure ulcers at the heel area of vulnerable individuals.

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.