Preventing heel pressure ulceration- a guide for nursing practice.

The heel remains a common site for pressure ulcer development, particularly in people who are supine or semi-recumbent with immobility. There is very little protective subcutaneous tissue and no muscle or fascia within the heel making it vulnerable to pressure, friction and shear forces. Heel pressure ulceration remains a clinical challenge for the nursing profession and the wider healthcare team, as well as a focus of pain and physical debilitation for the patient. This article critically reviews the risk factors to heel ulceration and examines patient assessment and the specific measures to prevent the development of heel pressure ulcers