Supporting Better Outcomes from the Ground Up: Pressure Care in Leg and Foot Health
This Legs Matter Week (9th – 13th June), we’re reminded of the importance of proper leg and foot health, and the role that appropriate pressure care management can play within that.
Leg and foot conditions should never be brushed aside as minor issues and, when left unchecked, pressure damage, ulcers, and skin deterioration – particularly in individuals with limited mobility or those who spend prolonged periods in bed or sitting – can spiral into long-term, debilitating, and painful conditions which can all too easily go unnoticed.
Leg and Foot Pressure Ulcers: The Risk Factors
Venous disease or Lymphoedema: untreated venous disease can lead to lymphatic issues and potentially lymphoedema, and these conditions, when exposed to long periods of pressure, can all-too-easily lead to skin breakdown.
Reduced sensation (neuropathy): neuropathy – otherwise known as reduced sensation – such as that experienced in diabetic patients, can lead to patients not noticing skin damage, breakdown or even pressure ulcer formation.
Limited mobility: limited mobility is a leading risk factor in pressure sores & ulcers, especially those found on the legs and feet as increased time spent sitting or lying increases pressure on vulnerable areas of the body, such as heels, knees or thighs.
Excessive moisture: pressure, when combined with moisture (e.g. incontinence, heavy sweating, wound exudate), can create a perfect storm for skin maceration and breakdown, especially in the lower limbs where circulation is already compromised.
“Every day, people are living with painful and avoidable lower limb conditions,” says Legs Matter. “Too often, they’re left undiagnosed, untreated and unsupported.”
The Importance of Pressure Care in Leg and Foot Health
Feet and legs often bear the brunt of long periods of pressure – especially in individuals who live with limited mobility and/or experience existing and ongoing health concerns.
Poor pressure care can result in:
Heel ulcers: heel ulcers occur when pressure is applied to the heel for extended periods. This cuts off blood flow to the tissue around and on the heel, and causes skin and tissue damage.
Ischaemic wounds: also known as ischemic ulcers, ischaemic wounds are caused by reduced blood flow to an area of the body, often the lower limbs. This lack of blood flow, prevents oxygen and nutrients flowing through to the tissue, leading to: cell death and tissue damage.
Moisture lesions around the ankle: also known as moisture-associated skin damage (MASD), moisture lesions, are skin damage caused by prolonged exposure to excessive moisture and are often linked to factors like sweating or wound leakage.
Skin breakdown: skin breakdown can occur due to prolonged sitting, lying or poorly fitting footwear, and is often one of the first signs of a pressure sore or ulcer. Identifying and treating skin breakdown early is especially effective in preventing pressure ulcers.
Pressure Care Products and Pressure Prevention
PosiPerle positioning cushions: PosiPerle positioning cushions are ideally suited to pressure prevention and management for the legs & feet, Designed to provide postural support and pressure relief to multiple areas of the body, PosiPerle cushions conform to the body’s individual shape and reduce pressure on sensitive and vulnerable areas where pressure sores & ulcers could form.
CareFlow (formally Carewave) positioning pillows: CareFlow postural positioning pillows provide simple solutions for some of the most complex positioning challenges experienced, including contracted legs and 30o lateral positioning, Carewave offers tailored and flexible pressure support for a number of different areas of the body.
Legs Matter And So Does Proactive Pressure Care
Legs Matter Week is a reminder that foot and leg conditions should never be considered minor or cosmetic. From the moment a patient enters care, whether at home or in a clinical setting, we should be asking:
- Is their lower limb pressure risk being assessed?
- Are they supported with the right equipment?
- Have we looked beyond the obvious to prevent hidden harm?
All because small changes to pressure care protocols can make a big difference to an individual’s overall quality of life; preventing long-term, avoidable complications.
Find out more about our full range of products or contact us today to discuss your pressure care needs.
