A desk footrest is a supportive device placed under a desk to provide a comfortable surface to allow the user to rest their feet. They are mainly designed to help users maintain proper ergonomic posture while sitting down for extended periods of time.
Whether or not you should use a footrest at your desk depends on a number of different factors, such as comfort, health conditions, ergonomics and ultimately your personal preference.
For example, some desks and chairs are not easily adjustable, so using a footrest can help customise your seating position for maximum comfort. That said, if you have a properly adjusted manual ergonomic deskand chair that allow your feet to rest comfortably on the floor, you may not necessarily need a footrest.
People with certain health conditions can really benefit from using a footrest. For example, those with varicose veins may find relief from using a footrest to elevate their feet.
Shop our multi-functional height adjustable desk footrest here, designed to prevent leg and back discomfort and help stimulate foot and leg blood circulation.
The Benefits of Using a Footrest Under Your Desk
Ultimately, If you experience discomfort or strain while working at your desk, investing in a footrest may be a simple and effective solution. But that’s not the only benefit of using a footrest…
1. Improved Comfort
No one enjoys sitting down in one position for extended periods of time, but this is unfortunately the reality of many workplaces. Over time, this prolonged sitting position can result in discomfort and aching in the lower body. This is where a footrest under your desk can really come into good use.
When using a footrest, pressure on your lower back is reduced, making the time at your desk much more comfortable and enjoyable.
You might also find that your feet tend to dangle or don't rest flat on the floor while sitting at your desk which can be pretty uncomfortable and straight up annoying. A footrest can therefore act as a surface to elevate and support your feet and reduce pressure on your legs from dangling and unsupported feet.
This leads us nicely onto our second point…
2. Improved Posture
When you sit at a desk, maintaining a good posture is essential for your health. However, the more time you spend at your desk, the easier it is to fall into the trap of poor posture.
A perfect sitting position is one where your feet are flat on the ground with your knees and elbows at a 90-degree angle. However, if your desk and chair aren't at the perfect height for your body, getting into this position can be challenging. Learn more about how to sit properly at a desk here.
This is where an under desk footrest comes in handy, as having your feet rested on a platform, you can maintain the ideal knee angle which naturally encourages a more upright sitting position. An under desk footrest also promotes a more balanced sitting position, ensuring that your feet, hips, and back are aligned.
Another solution for fixing your poor posture is to invest in a standing desk, which comes with its own range of benefits. For example, a standing desk can encourage you to switch between sitting and standing positions, which can improve posture and alleviate back pain.
Check out our collection of standing deskshere.
3. Stress Reduction & Improved Productivity
While it might not be obvious, the connection between physical comfort and mental performance/ productivity is strong. This is because, when you’re in pain or feeling uncomfortable, it’s easy to get distracted and side tracked by these things. However, when you’re free from these distractions, you’re much more likely to concentrate and provide high-quality work.
When you're not preoccupied with adjusting your sitting position or nursing a sore back, you can dedicate your full attention to your work and sit in a much more relaxed and enjoyable position.
An under desk footrest can also encourage active sitting and movement, which can in turn help combat fatigue and boredom.
4. Versatile and Compact
Another benefit of investing in an under the desk footrest is that they are versatile and can be used in a number of different settings, whether it be at the office, home working, and even during leisure activities.
Many desk footrests are also lightweight and portable (like our adjustable desk footrest), allowing you to move them easily between workspaces without breaking your back. Desk footrests are also typically compact in size, making them perfect for use in environments where space is limited without occupying much room (usually the case in offices).
5. Better Blood Circulation
Poor blood circulation from long periods of sitting can be a . A desk footrest, however, can counteract these problems, as by keeping your legs and feet elevated, blood is prevented from pooling in your lower extremities.
This supports healthy circulation, ensuring that oxygen and nutrients are efficiently transported to where they're needed most in your body.
You might not directly notice this process, but your body will certainly appreciate it.
On the topic of health, varicose veins can also often be a painful and unwanted consequence of prolonged sitting and poor circulation. By improving circulation around your body, a footrest can help ease the symptoms of this condition and even reduce the risk of developing it in the first place.
And there we have it! We hope this article has helped your understanding of footrests and whether or not you need one for your desk.
Looking for a footrest for your home, office or workspace? Check out our collection of accessories, available for next working day delivery if ordered by 3pm.
Otherwise, our blog provides more useful tips on living an ergonomic lifestyle. Feel free to contact us with any questions, with the handy live chat feature on our site, or via email at info@ergodesks.co.uk.
