Pressure Sores

Pressure sores are also called bedsores or decubitus ulcers and are areas of skin that have become damaged or died due to prolonged pressure cutting off the normal blood supply. It is usually caused by long periods of immobility and a lack of relief in pressure. They occur most commonly on the heels, hips, base of the spine, shoulder blades, backs and sides of knees, and on the back of the head. Treatment includes relieving the pressure, treating the sore itself, nutritional therapy, using support surfaces, vitamin supplements, hydrotherapy, surgical repair, muscle spasm relief, and herbal therapies.