8 Body Spots Unsafe to Pressure Injuries — Are You at Risk?

Did you know that there are some body spots that, if too much pressure is applied on it, can lead to death? Yes, death! In fact, when certain areas of our bodies are once subjected to extreme pressure, it will result in severe damage to the human body. It may be unbelievable, but that's the reality.

These dangerous spots have been documented by science and are released by government agencies such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). But have you any idea what these spots are? 

This article aims to inform our readers about where do pressure injuries occur, especially in critical areas that will most likely cause them harm or result in death when inflicted. Be informed to protect yourself. Keep on reading!

Heel

The heel is a very dangerous body spot that could cause death if pressure is applied excessively to it. Why? Because it's an area that is particularly susceptible to pressure injury because it has a relatively large surface area in relation to its weight-bearing capability and has a poor blood supply.

Moreover, a study published in the Journal of Foot and Ankle Surgery recorded about 15,000 patients who underwent surgery for a heel pressure ulcer due to pressure injuries which are often caused by prolonged pressure or friction on the skin. They can become infected and lead to serious complications, such as gangrene and amputation of limbs in serious cases.

How to Avoid

• Wear shoes that fit properly and are well ventilated
• Keep your heels dry and clean by wearing sandals in humid areas instead of sneakers.
• Do not wear shoes that are too tight or have narrow toe boxes.
• Regularly wash and dry them with a towel after wearing wet shoes.

Coccyx or Tailbone

The coccyx is the small bone that sits at the bottom of your spine and connects it to your pelvis. Sometimes people can suffer from pain in this area, especially if they've had an injury or fall which has caused damage to their tailbone. This type of pain may be associated with sitting for long periods of time as well as picking inappropriate belt sizes.

Pressure injury in the coccyx can cause complications. Constant pressure or friction over a long period of time causes blood vessels to break open and leak fluid. This fluid builds up underneath the skin, forming a blister or ulcer that needs treatment from your doctor. 

How to Avoid

• Don't sit for long periods of time.
• Choose appropriate belt sizes to avoid tightness.
• Use a foam cushion or pillow to help protect your tailbone from pressure.
• Try sitting in different positions, like on the edge of a chair or on your feet. 
• Try using a pillow between your legs while sitting to help relieve pressure on the coccyx area.

Ankle

Ankle injuries are a common problem among athletes, especially football players. The ankle is made up of two bones that fit together to form an arch, which helps support your body weight while standing or walking. 

Pressure sores to your ankle can cause pain and swelling. The skin may turn red, purple, or black and blister or ulcerate. This is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment from a doctor. If not treated properly, the condition can lead to infection and complications like joint damage.

How to Avoid

• Wear properly fitting shoes that have arch support.
• Don't wear the same pair of shoes every day. Alternate them to give your feet a break from the pressure.
• Use insoles in your shoes to increase comfort and cushion.
• Wear socks that keep your feet dry.
• Don't walk barefoot on hard surfaces like concrete or asphalt.

 

Shoulder Blade

The shoulder blade is a thin, triangular bone located in your upper back. It connects to the collarbone and arm bones, which allows you to move your arms and shoulders. The shoulder blade helps support weight when you have something heavy on your lap, like a baby or dog.

A pressure wound damages the shoulder blade in a few ways. For example, if you have diabetes or another condition that causes nerve damage, your shoulder might not receive signals from your brain to move correctly. 

This can lead to muscle weakness and a limited range of motion in your arms and shoulders — putting them at risk of developing pressure sores that don't heal properly.

How to Avoid

• Use a pressure relieving pad when you're sitting for long periods of time.
• Keep your shoulders back and relaxed.
• Move around every half hour or so if possible.
• Use a pillow when sleeping on your side.

Shinbone

The shin bone is the larger of two bones in your lower leg. It runs from your knee to the top of your foot and supports your body weight when you stand or walk. Pressure injury with blister can develop on the front and back surfaces of the shin bone. 

This can happen when you have poor circulation, and your body doesn't get enough oxygen. It can also occur if you have poor nutrition, which makes it harder for your body to fight infections. 

How to Avoid

• Use a foam mattress overlay to reduce pressure on your skin.
• Keep your feet elevated when you're sitting or lying down. 
• If possible, change position every two hours 
• Wear low-heeled shoes with soft soles that fit well and are comfortable.

Hipbone

The hipbone is one of two bones that make up your pelvis. It connects your thigh bone to your spine, and it allows you to move your legs in different directions.

When you sit for long periods of time, pressure can build up around the hip bone and cause damage to soft tissue like muscle or fat. This can lead to a condition called fat necrosis or myositis ossificans (FON).

How to Avoid

• Keep your weight in check.
• Pick appropriate belt sizes.
• Don't stand or sit for long periods of time without moving around and stretching your legs.
• Use a gel pad or other type of padding between your thighs.
• Avoid using tight buckle belts. Instead, invest in one of the best belt for men and women which can give enough tightness to your pants.

Back of the Head

The back of your head is one of the most common areas for pressure sores to develop. If you have a spinal cord injury, paralysis, or any other condition that causes weakness in your neck muscles and ligaments, you may be at risk of developing pressure sores, which are termed posterior cervical decubitus ulcers. 

The position of your body can also affect how likely it is for you to develop a posterior cervical decubitus ulcer. If you're bedridden or unable to move around much, this increases the risk.

How to Avoid

• Use a special pillow to support your head and neck.
• Maintain good posture when sitting or lying down.
• Be sure the bed you sleep on is firm and supportive.
• Don't lie down for long periods of time.

Inner Knee

The inner knee is another common area for a pressure sore to develop. If you have osteoarthritis or any other condition that causes pain or weakness in your knees, this can make you more likely to develop an ulcer. The position of your body can also affect how likely it is for you to develop an inner knee decubitus ulcer.

If you have a decubitus ulcer in your inner knee, it can cause a number of complications. The most common complication is infection. Infection occurs when bacteria or fungi enter an open wound and begin to grow there. This can make the ulcer more painful and increase the risk that it will spread beyond the skin into deeper tissues.

How to Avoid

• Don't put pressure on the knee for extended periods of time.
• If you must sit or lie on your back, always place a pillow under your knee.
• Gently rotate your leg every hour to avoid pressure buildups in one area.

Takeaway

In conclusion, you should learn about what areas of your body are weak and will put you at risk for injuries. Work on strengthening these weakened body spots so that you can be physically active without getting injured. Your physical health depends on it!

Are you at risk? Contact the nearest doctor around your locality and tell them what you feel.