Feet

[shelly21]

Hi all. My care is not great and I end up chasing departments etc. I am getting pressure sores on my heels. I wake up and they are burning and painful. The district nurses are sorting a decent mattress.

However I need hard skin removing etc and I'm looking at seeing a podiatrist.

Can anyone recommend any other ideas re foot problems.

[matthew55]

I have attached a pillow at the end of the bed but still get pressure sores in my right foot. I'm very interested in hearing any solutions. 🙅♂️👌😁😍xx

[Mary C]

Hi Shelley, the district nurses have access to all sorts of pressure relieving equipment such as gel pads for heals.You need an assessment asap and a treatment plan / equipment put in place.
My husband checks, my heels, elbows, ears, bottom twice daily as shown by district nurses.I have prescribed barrier cream to apply to various areas.
I don’t live in your area…Ipay for a foot health care assistant who comes every few months to remove hard skin, cut toe nails etc.
Think people who are diabetic get free podiatry on NHS.
best wishes
Mary x

[shelly21]

I read re the pillow. I've seen like thin gel pressure heel pads on amazon and might try them. I think it doesn't help that I don't have baths anymore re it being upstairs but I have purchased a decent foot spa hopefully soften hard skin.

[shelly21]

Mary C thank you. The district nurses gave me barrier cream so I will try that. i will ring them and ask. Thanks for your suggestions x

[Ellie]

I've seen like thin gel pressure heel pads on amazon and might try them.

Shelly, you might be wasting your money buying thin gel pads. If, like me, your heels are basically dead weight all night, you need proper medical type products with proper absorbent and cushioning gel.

I've worn Gelbodies Heel Protectors and Rolyan Heel Protectors with gel, not foam (foam is cheaper) They're toeless socks with removable gel pads. (Both of these products are also for elbows, if you're browsing) I've also worn 'sheepskin' (fake) bootees, good but can be warm and sweaty.

For me, barrier cream made no difference.

All products were supplied by my Physio and Podiatrist. xx

[shelly21]

Ellie thank you. That helps lots. Physio is due this week so I will ask.

Also thanks for the tips. Hate wasting money. I can't turn over now in bed and opiods and amitryp make me a dead weight.

I've found a podiatrist near me and going tomorrow for first appointment. This will bridge the gap until i get offered nhs appt.x

[Ellie]

FYI, photos:

Gelbodies.

Gelbodies heel protectors.jpg

Roylan.

Rolyan heel protectors.jpg

[Mary C]

shelly21
I take Oramorph and amitryptyline and like you turning over on left side is really hard.I can turn onto right side easier.I use like a rope ladder attached to foot of bed which I can pull myself up from lying to sitting.It also helps when I try to turn over.
These deteriorations have come on gradually.
Next problem …I might try v shaped pillow to try and get more comfortable in bed.

best wishes
Mary

[Doug Carpenter]

I rest my feet in inflatable Repose boots covered with pillow slips..
very good at removing heel burning pain.
Doug

[shelly21]

Mary and doug both good tips. Ellie I've found and ordered the roylan type. They will help in the daytime as often bridge of my feet get cold easily but nice that air can get to your toes.
thank you all for your tips x

[Ellie]

They will help in the daytime as often bridge of my feet get cold easily but nice that air can get to your toes.

I originally was given a pair to protect the bridge of my feet, which are literally skin and bone, then I asked my Physiotherapist what they were called when she was here one day as I wanted to buy a 2nd pair for heel protection in bed, and she said don't buy them as she'd send me some.

I'm mindful of your lack of support, so don't mean to rub it in... xx