The human body is made to move. Eve

The human body is made to move. Even when we are sitting still and even when we are sleeping, we move all the time. We toss and turn in bed, we shift positions when we are sitting, we get up and stretch – in ways that are obvious and in ways that are subtle, we are almost always in motion.
Prolonged immobility is a very abnormal condition, and not only is prolonged immobility abnormal; it is very bad for the body. If you do not move at all – literally – you are at risk for blood clots, lung infections, damage to your bone and joints, muscle weakness, and many other problems.
Pressure sores occur when someone cannot move for a long period of time. The two basic causes of a pressure sore are s decreased blood flow to the tissues and immobility. When there is no blood flow, the tissues will become damaged and die. The patient develops an ulcer – basically a hole – in his/her skin. There are also three processes that are specific causes that contribute to the development of a pressure sore.

• Pressure: The pressure of someone’s body weight on certain areas of the body is probably the biggest specific cause of pressure sores. F or example, the heels, elbows, the shoulders, and the spine are all bony parts of the body and there is not much skin to pad and protect these areas. So when the body weight is pressing down on these areas, the skin can easily become damaged and a pressure sore can develop. Pressure that can cause a pressure sore can even be caused by wrinkles in the sheets.




• Friction: When you are sitting or lying down and you change positions, your skin rubs against your clothing, the sheets, etc. This creates friction, and friction can




damage skin that is already compromised by pressure and immobility.



Imagine taking sandpaper or a nail file and rubbing an area of skin that is weak and sensitive.
• Shear force: Press the palms of you hands together, apply a moderate amount of pressure, the try and slide one hand down. Doing this creates heat and friction, and this is called the shear effect. The same can occur when someone is on prolonged bedrest: the heat, the friction can be very damaging, and contributes to the development of pressure sores.

Pressure sores can happen in many places, but four of the most common are the heels, the hips, the base of the spine, and the elbows. They can also develop on the back of the head, the spine, the shoulders, the hips, and the ears – anywhere there is pressure and not much skin covering the bone.