Who Is at Risk of Heel Pressure Injuries?
Bedbound and immobile patients can be particularly vulnerable to heel pressure injuries. Prolonged pressure, limited movement, shear and friction can place vulnerable heel tissue at risk.
A comprehensive prevention approach combines early risk identification, regular skin assessment, appropriate positioning, pressure redistribution and effective heel offloading.
Some patients require particular attention because they may be unable to reposition their heels independently or may have reduced tissue tolerance.
Examples include:
- Older or frail patients
- Patients with neurological conditions or reduced mobility
- Patients recovering from surgery
- Patients receiving intensive or critical care
- Patients with impaired circulation or diabetes
- Patients who are sedated or unable to reposition independently
Risk should always be assessed individually and reviewed when the patient’s condition changes.
Key Steps to Help Prevent Heel Pressure Injuries
Heel pressure injury prevention should not rely on a single intervention. Several measures work together as part of an individual prevention plan.
Positioning
Regular positioning and repositioning can help reduce prolonged loading of vulnerable areas.
Skin inspection
Inspect the heels regularly for changes in skin and tissue condition so that potential problems can be identified early.
Pressure redistribution
Appropriate support surfaces can help redistribute pressure across the body, but additional attention may still be required for the heels.
Heel offloading
For patients at risk, the heels should be elevated so they are not in contact with the support surface.
Effective heel offloading transfers load away from the heel and helps maintain heel suspension.
What About Using Pillows?
Pillows can be used to elevate the lower leg and remove the heel from the support surface when appropriately positioned.
However, maintaining this position can sometimes be challenging in everyday care. Pillows may move as the patient changes position and may therefore require regular checks and repositioning to ensure that the heel remains properly elevated.
For patients who require more consistent heel suspension, a dedicated heel offloading device may be considered.
Maintaining Heel Offloading in Daily Care
The objective of heel offloading is to keep the heel free from direct contact with the bed or support surface.
A suitable heel offloading solution should help:
- Maintain heel suspension
- Redistribute load along the lower leg
- Minimize pressure, shear and friction
- Support appropriate foot positioning
- Allow regular inspection of the heel
- Remain comfortable enough for continued use
The appropriate intervention should always be selected according to the patient’s individual clinical needs, mobility and risk profile.
How the Maxxcare Heel Pro Evolution Supports Heel Offloading
The Maxxcare Heel Pro Evolution is designed to support heel pressure injury prevention by offloading pressure from the heel and ankle.
Four removable air-filled SmartTubes help lift the heel away from the support surface and redistribute pressure along the lower leg.
The design also:
- Helps maintain complete heel offloading
- Helps reduce shear and friction
- Supports positioning of the foot
- Helps prevent foot drop
- Uses lightweight, soft materials to support patient comfort
- Can be used while lying or sitting
The Maxxcare Heel Pro Evolution should be used as part of an appropriate clinical prevention or treatment plan and according to the needs of the individual patient.
Help Support Heel Pressure Injury Prevention in Your Facility
Discover how the Maxxcare Heel Pro Evolution can support effective heel offloading in everyday care.
