If you or a loved one has used a wheelchair before, you know how important the footrest or leg rests are. Each person will have different size and height requirements, even when sitting down. There are various designs for wheelchairs and footrests to accommodate different people and a frequent question asked is:
Are wheelchair footrests universal? There are some universal footrest designs that you can purchase. However, not all wheelchair footrests are universal. Additionally, all wheelchair footrests require adjustments according to the user. There are no universal size or height positionings for wheelchair footrests.
The majority of wheelchair footrests are removable, adjustable, and have the option for accessories. They’re essential for the user, but not all footrests work for everyone. So, with many different footrest options, it can be tempting to want to swap yours out for ones better suited for you.
Are Wheelchair Footrests Universal?
Some wheelchair footrests do have universal attachments. However, not all of them do. There are standard wheelchair footrests that will work for most wheelchairs. Still, if you are looking for new wheelchair footrests, make sure you always check your current wheelchairs make and model for compatibility.
To understand why not all wheelchair footrests are universal, you must first understand why the footrests are essential in the first place.
Wheelchair footrests help to keep the person using the chair in the optimal sitting position. The footrests help to improve the user’s posture and will promote blood circulation throughout their legs and other parts of their body.
Without appropriate footrest adjustments and fittings, a person could suffer from pressure sores, back pain, digestive issues, and other issues.
Beyond those health benefits, the type of chair a person needs will also determine how universal footrests may be. For instance, someone using an older model would likely be able to find parts on another older wheelchair. However, newer wheelchairs have more specific design features, and the make/model will determine if a footrest works with the chair or not.
Additionally, you have other types of wheelchairs used by athletes or even motorized chairs that utilize footrests as well. So, the kind of footrest will be determined by the type of wheelchair being used. Some chairs are more universal than others, but not all footrests will work with all chair designs.
Types of Wheelchair Footrests
As we know that not all wheelchairs are the same, and not all footrests are universal, then we should discuss the different types of footrests you can get. The different varieties can all be broken down into two main categories: one-piece and two-piece.
Within each of those categories, you will also find slight variations in style and functionality. No matter how many pieces make up the footrest, they will either be articulate or elevated. The style of your chair will determine the type of footrest you need, the reason you need a wheelchair, and your overall body dimensions.
One-Piece Footrest
Other names for a one-piece footrest will be floorboards or foot panels. Either way, they mean the same thing: the footrest is one-piece. These are not especially common in wheelchair designs, but they do have their applications.
One-piece footrests are most commonly used on athletic chairs and will have an additional piece that protects the athlete’s toes. Other than that, the minimum requirement for using a one-piece footrest is usually if the user can put their feet flat on the floor.
As the footrest is one solid piece of equipment, it can cause some challenges for specific users. For instance, you cannot move it out of the way when transitioning in and out of the chair. They also tend to be less easy to adjust, and it is recommended that you consult your doctor before switching to a one-piece footrest.
Two-Piece Footrest
The more common option is a two-piece footrest. They are also recommended for wheelchair users that struggle to place their foot on a flat surface. An inability to sit with your feet flat can lead to a myriad of health issues down the line, and it helps to maintain good posture.
Two-piece footrests are much easier to replace and will usually come standard on most wheelchairs. This is where you will see the most variation in style as well. Many two-piece footrests are either flip-up or swing out to make transfers in and out of the chair much easier.
The variations in styles, ease of adjusting, and ability to replace make two-piece footrests a popular type of wheelchair footrest and often the most recommended by doctors.
Articulating Elevated Footrests/Leg rests
Beyond being one or two-piece, footrests can also be either articulate or elevated. These positions’ primary function is to change the angle of the person’s legs.
Most footrests will either be at an angle of 60 or 90 degrees. The smaller angles, like 60 or 70 degrees, push your feet out further in front, making them more suitable for adults. 90-degree footrests are more commonly used for children or small adults.
Some wheelchair users need more versatility in the angles provided by the footrest, so they get an articulating footrest. These will also support their legs, making them leg rests. What this allows them to do is raise their legs up or down while also extending the footrest position to support their legs fully.
This is important because they give the body different positions and postures to sit in from time to time. The change provides the person with a chance to redistribute their weight, potentially causing less pain and swelling.
How to Adjust Wheelchair Foot rests
All wheelchair footrests require adjustments for each individual that sits in them. There is not a universal height or size as the footrest needs to fit that person’s size and condition. Beyond that, ground clearance can also be an issue. Some footrests need to be positioned at different angles to ensure they will not hit the ground or get caught on objects when in use.
The main goal is to adjust the footrests to distribute the person’s weight evenly. If their legs are positioned too low or too high, it will put them in a strange position and give them improper posture. You do not want too much weight on their butt, but you also don’t want them leaning forward to reach the footrests.
Any improper positioning is what can cause pressure sores.
So, the positioning you want to achieve in the end is to have the users thighs to be in contact with the seat. This position will take the weight off of their back and feet and redistribute it through their thighs.
You may not be able to achieve this perfectly, depending on the ground clearance the chair’s front rigging allows. When moving across a flat surface, usually 1” will do. However, if you encounter uneven terrain, at least 2” may be required.
If you have to use a wheelchair often, finding the perfect foot position is essential. If you are struggling to find the right position, consider talking to your doctor or physical therapist as they may be able to help you get adjusted according to your needs.
Conclusion
Although not all wheelchair footrests are universal, you can still find the perfect footrest for you or your family members. There are a wide variety of footrests on the market today as well as many more accessories to make your wheelchair time comfortable.
Just remember that when investing in new footrests for your wheelchair, you should consult your doctor and double-check that style is compatible with your chair’s make and model.