Heel elevators provide support to the lower leg or around the ankle to allow the heel to be raised from a surface. They are used mainly to prevent the development of pressure sores and improve blood flow.
Workplace solutions and adjustments
Heel elevators can provide support and make seating more comfortable, especially when using a wheelchair or sitting for long periods of time at work. They can also be used to reduce the risk of pressure areas developing on the skin. There are various types of heel elevators available including:
- ring elevators which wrap around the ankle allowing the heel to lift from the surface
- gutter shaped elevators which support the lower leg and ankle and allow the foot to hang over the end, elevating the heel from the surface.
For more information on how to prevent pressure sores, please see the liks below:
References
Independent Living Centres Australia Inc. 2007, Elbow, Heel and Skin Protectors, Independent Living Centres Australia Inc., Sydney, viewed 4 February 2011, http://www.ilcaustralia.org/home/search3.asp?State=NSW&page=2&MC=21&MinC=33.