The medical benefits of using a footstool are perhaps not as well-known as they should be. In this piece, we demonstrate which organisations recommend using footstools, who should use one and why they are beneficial to health and wellbeing.

During infancy, when mothers bottle or breast feed their child, the World Health Organisation recommends using footstools to ensure the baby's bottom is well supported. This is not only beneficial to the mother by preventing back problems it allows for better bonding between mother and child. In the United Kingdom, the National Health Service (NHS) also recommends a footstool to prevent back pain and sciatica and for treating the symptoms of lymphoedema by reducing pain and swelling of legs, knees and ankles. The NHS also recommends footstool use for improved wellbeing and relaxation to counter stress related illnesses, such as high blood pressure, anxiety, and depression.

In the United States the American Heart Association recommends using a footstool to make it easier to put on shoes and socks and The American College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists recommends propping up your feet on a footstool as often as you can to relieve swelling and soreness and stop varicose veins from getting worse. The American College of Nurse-Midwives recommends new fathers offer your partner comfort measures such as a drink, a footstool, or a pillow to use while nursing whereas the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons recommends using a footstool to make life easier after joint replacement surgery and for intermittent leg elevation. The American Academy of Family Physicians recommends a footstool in front of the toilet to help constipated children have their feet firm and find relief from constipation.

Rheumatology experts suggest that people protect their joints by standing on a stable footstool when reaching for high objects. Macmillan Cancer Support recommends footstools for the skin problems of cancer, and fluid build-up, lymphoedema, reducing swollen legs and leading prostate cancer Charities advise sufferers to employ the use of footstools for swollen legs. 

comfortable use of a footstool

Sports injury clinics say that using a footstool for getting the last few degrees of leg extension in the latter stages of a rehabilitation process really has a meaningful effect on recovery. Recovering footballers, rugby players and athletes employ this advice in the latter stages of their rehabilitation process. Chiropractors recommend applied footstool use so patients can sit with knees higher than their hips to help them to steer clear of pain and inconvenience. This allows for improved blood circulation and quicker recovery times. 

On a more practical level the Turner Syndrome Society of the United States and Nemours Foundation advise placing a footstool to put things within reach, for example in the kitchen, the bathroom and with easy access to clothing, closets, personal care items, and other necessities. Also in the United States the Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome Association of America recommends using a footstool for the unaffected foot during static standing to promote weight shifting and balance.

To find out more about how footstools can benefit your health, comfort and personal wellbeing, get in touch today with our team who will be happy to help. Discover our massive range of footstools, all handmade in the UK, and benefit from relaxing comfort at home.

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4.9 Rating 156 Reviews

Beverley Ison

Verified Customer

Lovely footstool fast delivery

0 days ago

Jacqui Clarke

Verified Customer

Leather footstool was a present for a family member. Delivered quickly and well packaged, no issues whatsoever at order stage, very efficient. Footstool well received and recepient happy with quality.

8 days ago

Chi Kin Lau

Verified Customer

Good quality made in UK and perfect for the living room

8 days ago

Jane Mackenzie

Verified Customer

Great footstool. Beautifully made and extremely comfortable. Beautiful material (red tartan). Very pleased - excellent customer service.

14 days ago

Shirley Jones

Verified Customer

we have just had our second footstool from yourselves love the colour and quality of the product ordering was easy and delivery was prompt and with no problems would certainly order from you again

15 days ago

Marion Tyler

Verified Customer

Good quality. Well made too. Nice to support British made.

17 days ago

Anonymous

Verified Customer

Very pleased with the footstool - smart, wellmade and as it appears on the website. The ordering process was straightforward with email updates. There were no delays to delivery. Excellent product and service.

1 months ago

Fredrika Jones

Verified Customer

I have written a review within days of the stool arriving

1 months ago

Jeremy Collings

Verified Customer

Brillant range of products,I was kept up to date at all times and was delivered quickly in perfect condition?

1 months ago

Irene Ferreira

Verified Customer

The footstool is perfect. It’s beautiful and praticar. Thanks.

1 months ago