Any advice to keep sores on the heels from developing in a bed ridden patient?

Senorita...try using Heelbo's. They’re a sock-like thing with foam padding in the heels that simply pull on & can be used to protect the heels or elbows from pressure or brush burning when moving him. They are not easily kicked off and, while well padded, aren't thick enough that they should cause his legs to cramp. If you go to allegromedical and search for Heelbo, you'll find a set of 2 for just $8. You can also poke around in their pressure reduction section for other ideas. I've ordered from them quite a few times & have been happy with the products, as well as their customer service.

Thank you cwillie, I never heard of that variable pressure mattress pad. Sounds interesting.I'll look into it.

Please let us know how that works. It's a terrible problem this difficult to treat, from what I have read.

Also, my SIL's father got one on his foot and he was very slow to heal. He was at home at the time and got a lot of care, but it was stubborn. They eventually placed him in a nursing home, but it did not help. Sometimes, there are just so much you can do.

If he is competent, then I guess you have no choice, but to support his decision. I'd just keep an eye on the caregiver to make sure she's doing her job.

It might be time to investigate getting a variable pressure mattress, if his heels are in trouble there may soon be others areas too.
There are special boots made just for this, you would need to ask your doc/nurse about being fitted for the right one.

I'm going to try that sheepskin, thanks. I do remember now hearing that that could help. My brother has Parkinsons and is barely moving these days. Partly due to his refusing to exercise. He's single and has a live in caretaker. Though she is good with him, she is untrained, nurse wise, and doesn't come up with any ideas on your own, it seems. I visit once a week to check on things and handle his finances. At this stage I think he would be better off in a board and care home but, naturally he wants to stay home. I also try GardenArtist's idea of getting something firmer than a pillow under his legs. He does sit up some but usually in a recliner with the same problem of his heels hitting. Thanks for your ideas.

Have you ever heard of using sheep skin to help prevent sores? I have NO experience with sheep skin used in that way, but I have heard about people using it. Here's a study about it. It is pretty positive.

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What's his situation? Given that he's bedridden, is he able to get out of the bed at all or confined 24/7 to a bed?

If the latter, can you put something directly under his heels as opposed to his calves? I'm wondering if just the angle of elevation caused the cramping, or is this something that's bothered him otherwise?

Are you caring for him alone or with help? If you have help, can you turn him over periodically to prevent the possibility of pressure sores elsewhere? Can you elevate his legs even more with something thicker or more supportive than a pillow so that his heels are entirely off the bed? Granted, it's not a comfortable position to be in, but it would get his heels off the bed.

If he's able to get out to see a doctor, I would take him to a dermatologist to check the heel that looks bad. Better to address it now than later.