Why Leg Elevation Matters

Extended wheelchair sitting creates multiple physiological challenges requiring therapeutic positioning solutions. Dependent leg positioning allows fluid accumulation in lower extremities causing uncomfortable swelling, impaired venous return, and increased pressure ulcer risk at heels and ankles. Elevated legrests counteract gravity-dependent edema by raising legs above heart level, facilitating lymphatic drainage and reducing lower extremity volume. Padded calf support distributes weight across larger surface area preventing focal pressure points while swing-away functionality maintains transfer safety and accessibility.

Key Features

• Composite Footplates: Lightweight durable construction resists impacts while reducing overall wheelchair weight
• Swing-Away Mechanism: Lateral pivot enables safe transfers without legrest removal
• Padded Calf Support: Cushioned contact surface prevents pressure injuries during elevation
• Pair Configuration: Left and right legrests included for complete bilateral support
• Elevation Range: Adjustable positioning from dependent to fully elevated angles
• Blue Streak Compatibility: Direct replacement for standard Blue Streak front rigging

Benefits

• Edema Reduction: Leg elevation facilitates venous return reducing lower extremity swelling
• Circulation Enhancement: Raised positioning improves blood flow preventing dependent pooling
• Pressure Relief: Elevated heels eliminate sustained contact reducing ulcer formation risk
• Post-Surgical Support: Promotes healing following orthopedic procedures requiring leg elevation
• Extended Comfort: Padded calf support enables comfortable positioning during prolonged sitting
• Transfer Safety: Swing-away design maintains accessibility for safe wheelchair transfers
• Weight Reduction: Composite materials lighter than metal alternatives improving maneuverability

Clinical Applications

✓ Lower Extremity Edema Management: Chronic venous insufficiency, lymphedema, heart failure with dependent swelling
✓ Post-Surgical Recovery: Hip replacement, knee arthroplasty, lower extremity fracture immobilization
✓ Pressure Ulcer Prevention: Heel pressure relief for immobile users at high ulceration risk
✓ Orthopedic Positioning: Leg length discrepancies, contracture management, joint protection
✓ Cardiovascular Conditions: Congestive heart failure requiring dependent edema control
✓ Neurological Impairments: Spinal cord injury with impaired sensation and circulation
✓ Diabetes Management: Peripheral neuropathy patients requiring heel protection
✓ Long-Duration Wheelchair Users: Office workers, quadriplegics, anyone seated 6+ hours daily
✓ Geriatric Care: Elderly with compromised circulation and fragile skin integrity
✓ Bariatric Patients: Increased lower extremity weight creating greater edema risk

Usage & Application

Initial Installation

Removing Existing Footrests:

1. Swing away standard footrests to lateral position
2. Locate release button or lever at wheelchair frame attachment point
3. Depress release mechanism while pulling footrest away from frame
4. Remove both left and right standard footrests completely
5. Inspect attachment points ensuring clean threads and secure mounting hardware

Installing Elevated Legrests:

1. Orient left legrest to left side of wheelchair (marked L or shaped asymmetrically)
2. Align legrest mounting bracket with wheelchair frame receiver tube
3. Insert legrest post into frame receiver until audible click indicates engagement
4. Test security by pulling outward—legrest should not detach without release activation
5. Repeat installation process for right legrest
6. Verify both legrests swing away smoothly without binding or resistance

Elevation Adjustment Protocol

Setting Elevation Angle:

1. Position user comfortably in wheelchair with hips against backrest
2. Locate elevation adjustment mechanism (typically ratchet lever or locking pin system)
3. Support user's leg with one hand while releasing elevation lock with other hand
4. Raise or lower footplate to desired angle (common range: 0° dependent to 80° elevated)
5. Ensure calf pad contacts lower leg comfortably without excessive pressure
6. Engage elevation lock mechanism verifying secure positioning
7. Repeat adjustment for opposite leg achieving bilateral symmetry

Optimal Elevation Guidelines:

• Mild Edema: 30-45° elevation sufficient for moderate venous drainage assistance
• Significant Edema: 60-80° elevation maximizes gravity-assisted fluid return
• Post-Surgical: Follow surgeon's specific positioning orders (often 45-60° initially)
• Pressure Relief: Any elevation removes heel contact providing complete pressure offloading
• Comfort Positioning: User preference within therapeutic range maintains compliance

Transfer Safety Procedures

Swing-Away for Transfers:

1. Approach wheelchair from front or diagonal angle for optimal access
2. Grasp legrest at handhold location (near knee support or designated grip area)
3. Swing legrest laterally away from wheelchair center opening transfer path
4. Lock legrest in away position if mechanism includes locking feature
5. Complete transfer with legs positioned safely away from frame edges
6. Return legrests to center position after transfer securing elevation as needed

Transfer Assistance Considerations:

• Two-person transfers: One caregiver manages legrests while other supports user
• Standing pivot transfers: Swing legrests away before user stands
• Sliding board transfers: Ensure legrest fully clear of board path preventing snagging
• Mechanical lift transfers: May leave legrests in place if sling clears elevated position

Daily Usage Strategies

Morning Application (For Users with Edema):

1. Transfer into wheelchair with legrests in dependent position initially
2. Once seated, elevate legrests gradually over 5-10 minutes
3. Rapid elevation may cause lightheadedness in some cardiovascular conditions
4. Maintain elevation during primary seated periods (2-4 hour blocks)

Positioning During Activities:

• Meal times: Lower legrests allowing feet to floor for better trunk stability while eating
• Desk work: Elevated position fine if workspace accommodates extended wheelchair length
• Social activities: Consider lowering for more natural seated appearance and eye contact
• Rest periods: Maximum elevation during designated rest times optimizing edema control

Evening Protocol (Before Bed):

1. Elevate legrests 30-60 minutes before transfer to bed
2. Pre-bed elevation reduces fluid load during nighttime repositioning
3. Lower legrests completely for final transfer to bed
4. Store wheelchair with legrests in neutral position preventing mechanism wear

Calf Pad Positioning

Proper Contact Assessment:

• Calf pad should contact middle third of lower leg (mid-calf region)
• Avoid pad positioning behind knee (popliteal fossa) causing circulation compression
• Pad should support leg weight without excessive pressure causing discomfort
• Users should not feel sharp edges or pressure points during extended use

Adjusting Calf Pad Height (If Adjustable):

1. Locate height adjustment mechanism (screw clamp or quick-release lever)
2. Loosen adjustment allowing vertical pad movement
3. Position pad at comfortable calf contact point
4. Tighten adjustment mechanism ensuring pad stability under leg weight
5. Test by having user elevate legs—pad should support comfortably without slipping

Maintenance & Care

Daily Inspection:

• Check calf pad cushioning for wear, tears, or compression loss
• Inspect footplate surfaces for cracks, sharp edges, or material degradation
• Verify swing-away mechanism operates smoothly without binding
• Test elevation locking system ensures secure positioning under leg weight
• Clean footplates and calf pads with damp cloth removing debris

Weekly Maintenance:

• Examine mounting hardware for looseness—tighten if play detected
• Lubricate pivot points with dry lubricant (silicone spray) if squeaking occurs
• Inspect calf pad attachment verifying secure mounting to legrest frame
• Check for frame deformation or bending indicating excessive stress

Monthly Deep Maintenance:

• Remove legrests completely and inspect mounting receivers in wheelchair frame
• Clean receiver tubes removing accumulated dirt and debris
• Apply thin coat of dry lubricant to receiver tubes ensuring smooth insertion
• Examine composite footplates for stress fractures (especially at attachment points)
• Replace worn calf pad cushions maintaining comfort and preventing skin injury

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Legrest Won't Lock in Elevated Position:

• Cause: Locking mechanism misalignment or internal wear
• Solution: Remove legrest, inspect locking pin or ratchet, clean debris, replace if damaged

Swing-Away Mechanism Stiff or Binding:

• Cause: Accumulated dirt in pivot point or lack of lubrication
• Solution: Clean pivot thoroughly, apply silicone spray lubricant, work mechanism through full range

Calf Pad Causes Discomfort:

• Cause: Pad positioned too high (behind knee) or too low (near ankle)
• Solution: Adjust calf pad height to mid-calf region avoiding pressure on popliteal fossa

Footplate Feels Unstable:

• Cause: Mounting bolt loosened or footplate attachment worn
• Solution: Tighten all footplate mounting hardware; replace if attachment points cracked

Elevation Gradually Lowers During Use:

• Cause: Locking mechanism worn or insufficient engagement
• Solution: Ensure full lock engagement when setting elevation; replace locking components if worn

Professional Assessment Indicators

When to Consult PT/OT:

• User experiences increased swelling despite consistent elevation
• Skin breakdown develops at calf pad contact points
• User unable to achieve comfortable positioning across multiple adjustment attempts
• Bilateral leg positioning appears asymmetric suggesting underlying musculoskeletal issues
• User reports pain, numbness, or tingling during elevated positioning

When to Consult Equipment Provider:

• Legrests do not fit wheelchair frame despite correct Blue Streak model designation
• Mechanical components fail within normal usage parameters
• Footplates crack or break under normal weight bearing
• Calf pads compress excessively (lost cushioning) requiring replacement

Technical Specifications

Product Identification:

• Model: Drive Blue Streak Elevated Legrests with Calf Pad
• Configuration: Pair (left and right included)
• Compatibility: Drive Blue Streak wheelchair series standard front rigging

Dimensions:

• Footplate Size: Approximately 4" × 8" (varies by specific Blue Streak model)
• Elevation Range: 0° (dependent) to 80° (elevated) typical adjustment span
• Calf Pad Dimensions: ~6" wide × 4" tall cushioned support surface
• Overall Length (Extended): Adds 10-14" to wheelchair footprint when elevated

Weight Specifications:

• Component Weight: ~3-5 lbs per legrest (lighter than comparable metal designs)
• Weight Capacity: Supports full lower extremity weight within wheelchair's rated capacity

Materials:

• Footplate Construction: Composite polymer (impact-resistant, lightweight)
• Frame Components: Steel or aluminum tubing matching Blue Streak construction
• Calf Pad Cover: Vinyl or nylon upholstery (easy-clean medical-grade material)
• Cushioning: High-density foam padding providing support without excessive compression

Mechanism Features:

• Swing-Away Function: Lateral pivot approximately 90° opening transfer path
• Elevation Adjustment: Ratchet or pin-lock system enabling position increments
• Release Mechanism: Push-button or lever-activated for swing-away operation

Installation Requirements:

• Tool Requirements: May require Allen wrench or screwdriver for initial installation
• Installation Time: 10-15 minutes for pair installation by experienced user/caregiver
• Modifications: None required—direct replacement for standard Blue Streak footrests

Maintenance Intervals:

• Inspection: Daily visual check, weekly functional testing
• Lubrication: Monthly application to pivot points
• Replacement Schedule: Calf pads typically 12-24 months; footplates 3-5 years with normal use

Regulatory & Quality:

• Standards Compliance: Meets RESNA wheelchair accessory standards
• Manufacturer: Drive Medical (established DME equipment manufacturer)
• Warranty: Typically 1-2 years limited warranty on structural components (verify with supplier)

Packaging:

• Contents: Two elevated legrests (left and right), installation hardware, user instructions
• Shipping Weight: ~8-10 lbs packaged