Do you know about heel pressure sores?

Heel pressure sores, also known as heel pressure sores, refer to pathological changes such as damage, necrosis, and ulceration of the heel skin tissue due to prolonged pressure or friction. Heel pressure sores are a common skin condition, especially in people who are bedridden or sedentary for long periods of time.

How did it cause it?

The main cause of heel pressure sores is long-term compression or friction, resulting in skin tissue hypoxia, malnutrition, and metabolic disorders. Common causes of heel pressure sores include:

1. Lying in bed or sitting still for a long time, resulting in prolonged pressure on the heel;

2. Dry, fragile, or insufficiently protected skin on the feet;

3. Wearing shoes that are too tight or too loose for a long time, resulting in pressure or friction on the heel for a long time;

4. Suffering from diseases such as diabetes and poor blood circulation, which lead to metabolic disorders of the foot skin and are prone to heel pressure sores.

What are the risks of heel pressure sores?

1. Infection: Heel pressure sores are prone to infection, leading to local redness, swelling, pain, suppuration, and other symptoms;

2. Deep tissue damage: Heel pressure sores that are not treated for a long time will gradually expand, damage deep tissues, and even affect bones;

3. Sensory disturbance: Heel pressure sores often occur in areas rich in nerve endings, and patients may experience sensory disturbance, resulting in pain, numbness, and other symptoms;

4. Chronic pain: If the treatment of heel pressure sores is not timely or thorough, patients may suffer from chronic pain, which will affect their life and work.

How can heel pressure sores be prevented?

1. Skincare: keep the skin of the feet clean and dry, use appropriate moisturizers, and avoid soaking feet for a long time;

2. Posture adjustment: People who sit or lie in bed for a long time should adjust their body posture in a timely manner to avoid prolonged pressure on their feet;

3. Appropriate activities and exercises: Appropriate activities and exercises can promote blood circulation and prevent foot skin malnutrition;

4. Wear the right shoes: choose the right shoes and avoid shoes that are too tight or too loose to reduce the chance of feet being compressed or rubbed.

How are heel pressure sores treated?

The treatment of heel pressure ulcers should be based on the specific conditions of the patient, and the appropriate treatment method should be selected. The following are some treatment measures:

1. Medical care: For severe heel pressure ulcers, medical care is required, including debridement, dressing changes, topical antibiotics, etc.;

2. Drug treatment: For mild heel pressure sores, some drugs can be used for treatment, such as antibacterial drugs, drugs that promote wound healing, etc.;

3. Physical therapy: Physical therapy includes the use of magnetic therapy, laser therapy, ultrasound, and other methods, which can promote wound healing and relieve pain.

How to take proper care?

1. Bath care: keep feet dry and clean, and avoid using overly irritating detergents;

2. Wound cleaning and dressing change: clean the wound regularly and replace the clean dressing to avoid bacterial infection;

3. Nutritional support and dietary care: A reasonable diet can promote wound healing, enhance immunity, and prevent infection.

The prevention and treatment of heel pressure ulcers are very important. It is necessary to comprehensively consider the specific conditions of patients and choose appropriate treatment methods and nursing measures. At the same time, it is also necessary to pay attention to and care for patients with heel pressure ulcers, which can reduce the pain of patients and improve their quality of life. Future research needs to further explore the pathogenesis and treatment of heel pressure ulcers to provide better support for clinical practice.

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Editor: kiki Jia

Date: July 6, 2023