AimsWe investigated changes in pressure and shear force at the heel caused by elevating the head of the bed and after offloading pressure from the heel.Methods Data on heel pressure and shear force were collected from 26 healthy individuals aged >30 years using a three-axis tactile sensor at each angle formed as the participants' upper bodies were raised from a supine position. Data after pressure release of either the left or right foot were collected and compared. ResultsThe participants' mean age was 45.1 (±11.1) years. Pressure and anteroposterior shear force on the heel increased with elevation. These increases were especially prominent when the angle of elevation was 30˚. In the subsequent 45˚ and 60˚ tilts, body pressure and shear force increased slightly but not significantly. Pressure and shear force were released by elevating the lower extremity each time the head of the bed was elevated. However, further elevations resulted in increased pressure and shear force, particularly lateral shear force. Pressure and shear force did not change significantly when the lower limbs were elevated. ConclusionThe recommended elevation of the bed head to no more than 30˚ yielded major changes. Elevating the leg relieved the heel of continuous pressure and shear force while increasing pressure and lateral shear force. Although leg elevation is an aspect of daily nursing care, it is important to investigate such nursing interventions using objective data.Keywords heel pressure injury, decompression, shear force, elevating the head of the bed For referencing Murooka Y and Ishii HN. Fact-finding survey of pressure and shear force at the heel using a three-axis tactile sensor.