Pressure ulcers, also known as pressure sores, are a significant concern in hospitals and care homes, particularly among immobile or vulnerable patients. The heel is especially prone to ulceration due to its minimal soft tissue padding and frequent contact with bed surfaces. Heel Up pressure relief cushions offer a targeted solution by completely offloading the heel, redistributing pressure, and protecting the skin from injury.

Why Are Heels at Risk of Pressure Ulcers?

The heel contains very little fat or muscle to cushion it, so when a person lies in bed, the heel often bears the full weight of the lower leg. This can quickly lead to pressure-induced tissue damage. Friction from sheets and reduced circulation, particularly in patients with diabetes or vascular disease, further increase the risk. According to the NICE Pressure Ulcer Prevention Guideline CG179, heel protection should be prioritised for at-risk individuals.

What Are Heel Up Pressure Relief Cushions?

Heel Up cushions are heel elevation devices designed to float the heel off the bed surface, transferring pressure to the calf instead. Made from lightweight, inflatable material or foam, they cradle the leg in a neutral position, reducing pressure, shear, and friction on the heel. The design ensures that neither the Achilles tendon nor the malleoli are compressed, offering full offloading for maximum protection.

The Importance of Heel Offloading

Offloading the heel is a widely recognised strategy for pressure ulcer prevention. The EPUAP/NPIAP/PPPIA international guidelines recommend full heel offloading for at-risk individuals. Even high-spec mattresses cannot always prevent heel ulcers due to the small contact area. Heel cushions act as a proactive measure, keeping pressure away from the heel entirely.

What the Evidence Says

Clinical studies support the use of heel offloading cushions. A 2011 randomised study found that patients using heel elevation devices experienced a significant reduction in heel ulcers compared to those receiving standard care. The Cochrane Review on pressure-relieving devices also supports their use as part of a wider prevention strategy.

Benefits in Hospital Settings

In hospitals, where patients are often immobile post-surgery or in critical care, Heel Up cushions provide continuous protection even when repositioning is limited. They reduce staff workload, improve patient comfort, and help prevent hospital-acquired pressure ulcers. NICE recommends using offloading devices during surgery and when patients are at high risk of developing ulcers.

Benefits in Care Homes

In care homes, Heel Up cushions help prevent heel damage in elderly or bedbound residents. They remain in place better than standard pillows and are often more comfortable. Their regular use is viewed positively by CQC inspectors and helps homes meet NICE Quality Standard QS89 for pressure ulcer prevention and management.

Conclusion

Heel Up pressure relief cushions are a simple, clinically backed method to prevent heel pressure ulcers in at-risk patients. They align with NICE and international guidelines, reduce staff workload, and promote patient safety. Whether in hospitals or care homes, integrating heel offloading into routine care makes a measurable difference in pressure sore prevention.

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