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Why Sitting Too Long Can Lead to Serious Leg Sores

Pressure Ulcer Prevention

In today's modern world, many of us spend hours sitting at desks, in cars, or on airplanes. While this sedentary lifestyle may seem harmless, prolonged sitting can lead to serious leg sores and pressure ulcers. At ASG Foot & Ankle Clinic in the South Chicago suburbs, we see patients who develop these painful conditions from extended periods of immobility.

Understanding how sitting too long affects your legs and feet can help you prevent these complications. Our experienced podiatrists are here to help you maintain healthy circulation and prevent pressure ulcers.

How Prolonged Sitting Damages Your Legs

Reduced Blood Flow

  • Pressure on blood vessels: Sitting compresses arteries and veins in the legs
  • Poor circulation: Reduced oxygen and nutrient delivery to tissues
  • Tissue starvation: Cells don't get essential oxygen and nutrients

Pressure Points

  • Constant pressure: Body weight compresses skin and underlying tissues
  • Tissue damage: Prolonged pressure causes cell death and breakdown
  • Friction and shear: Movement against surfaces causes additional damage

Stages of Pressure Ulcers: What to Watch For

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Stage 1: Early Warning Signs

Skin appears red but is intact. May feel warm, firm, or painful to touch.

What to do:

  • • Change position immediately
  • • Relieve pressure on the area
  • • Monitor the area closely
  • • Usually reversible with quick action
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Stage 2: Skin Breakdown

Partial-thickness skin loss. Appears as a shallow open ulcer or blister.

Treatment needed:

  • • Professional wound care
  • • Pressure relief essential
  • • May require dressing changes
  • • Prevention of infection critical
3-4

Stage 3-4: Deep Tissue Damage

Full-thickness skin loss extending into muscle, bone, or supporting structures.

Advanced care required:

  • • Surgical intervention may be needed
  • • Long-term wound care
  • • Risk of serious complications
  • • May require hospitalization

Who is Most at Risk?

Medical Conditions

  • Diabetes: Reduced sensation and poor circulation
  • Peripheral artery disease: Impaired blood flow
  • Neurological conditions: Loss of protective sensation
  • Chronic illnesses: Generally reduced mobility

Lifestyle Factors

  • Prolonged sitting: Desk jobs, long travel, wheelchair use
  • Poor nutrition: Inadequate protein and nutrients for healing
  • Dehydration: Dry skin is more susceptible to breakdown
  • Smoking: Reduces blood flow and tissue oxygenation

Prevention: Break Up Prolonged Sitting

Frequent Position Changes

Shift your weight every 15-30 minutes. Set reminders if you tend to get absorbed in work. Even small movements can restore circulation.

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Proper Seating

Use cushions or pads to reduce pressure. Ensure your chair provides good support and allows your feet to rest flat on the floor.

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Movement Breaks

Stand up and walk around for 2-3 minutes every hour. Stretch your legs and improve circulation. Consider a standing desk if possible.

When to See a Podiatrist

Seek Care For:

  • • Persistent redness that doesn't fade
  • • Skin breakdown or open sores
  • • Pain or tenderness in legs
  • • Swelling or changes in skin color
  • • Numbness or tingling sensations

Our Services Include:

  • • Pressure ulcer assessment and treatment
  • • Custom orthotics for pressure redistribution
  • • Wound care for existing ulcers
  • • Prevention strategies and education
  • • Coordination with other healthcare providers

Protect Your Legs from Sitting-Related Problems

Don't let prolonged sitting lead to serious leg sores. Our experienced podiatrists in the South Chicago suburbs can help you prevent pressure ulcers and maintain healthy circulation.