Desktop Ergonomics

August 2010 - Purchasing a Footrest

Many workers overlook footrests as a solution to various kinds of workstation problems relating to posture and/or sitting. These problems can range from leg and lower back pain, blood clots, varicose veins, etc. A good foot rest is designed to prevent, alleviate, or even eliminate, such conditions.

Although a wide range of footrests are available, it is important to purchase one based on the needs of the user.

Height adjustable foot rests. Instead of using a box (or the CPU) to raise the foot's resting position, which most likely places the body in an awkward position, consider obtaining a height adjustable model that also tilts. A good footrest will allow for height adjustability. Almost all commercially produced foot rests have this feature.

Tilt adjustable footrests. Tilt adjustable footrests are available, usually in combination with one that has height adjustability. Some are locking and some non-locking, depending on how much flexibility the user wants while resting (or moving) their feet. Many people prefer the locking variety to stabilize the foot at rest and improve posture by ensuring a solid surface for feet while seated. Non-locking tilt adjustable footrests give the ankles and lower legs more blood circulation, which for some increases the comfort to their feet by preventing blood from pooling in the lower extremities.

Textured vs. Non-textured footrests. Some footrests have a textured surface for users who will be resting their feet directly on the foot platform without wearing shoes. These textured footrests thus provide a simple massaging mechanism to help increase blood circulation on the bottom of the feet by allowing the user to gently rub the feet on the surface of the foot rest. Textured surfaces also provide some grip force to the feet so that they do not slip off the surface.

Heated footrests. Although sometimes seen as a ‘luxury’ office item, these can provide added value to users who also have problems with 'cold feet'. A heated footrest can help those with poor circulation in the feet increase blood flood to this region of the body. Many of these footrests run on low power and have most of the other features discussed above.

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