Pressure sores can develop when an area of skin breaks down due to an individual body part staying in one place for too long. Bony areas such as the heel and elbow are often the most at risk. Heel and elbow pads can help to prevent the occurrence of sores by providing padding to the heel or elbow area and preventing friction.
Workplace solutions and adjustments
People are at risk of developing pressure sores if immobile or spending long periods in a chair such as when seated in a wheelchair at work. Heel and elbow pads can assist to prevent sores developing on a person’s heels or elbows and can be made from various materials including:
- foam
- sheepskin
- synthetic fur, or
- fabric covered silicone padding.
Although heel and elbow pads provide limited pressure relief, they can assist greatly in preventing friction and shearing, another major cause of sores.
When considering the use of heel and elbow pads, the following links may be useful:
References
Australia Wound Management Association 2001, Clinical Practical Guidelines for the Prediction and Prevention of Pressure Ulcers: Reducing Heel Pressure, Australian Wound Management Association Inc., Perth, viewed 5 June 2011, http://www.awma.com.au/publications/2007/cpgpppu_v_full.pdf.
Independent Living Centres Australia Inc. 2007, Aussie Sheep & Wool Ankle and Elbow Protectors, Independent Living Centres Australia Inc., Sydney, viewed 5 June 2011, http://www.ilcaustralia.org/home/search4.asp?State=NSW&MC=21&MinC=33&Item=905&page=6.
Seating Dynamics 2009, Heel and Elbow Pressure Care, Seating Dynamics Pty Ltd., Sydney, viewed 5 June 2011, http://www.seatingdynamics.com.au/c19/Heel_and_Elbow.aspx.