Orthopaedic foot rest, adjustable, 1830-1930

Used to rest and raise the foot, this footrest allowed the body time to heal and to avoid further injury. Raising the foot helps to reduce swelling and ease the pain in conditions such as gout. The footrest could also be adjusted to different heights using a ratchet, a similar system to a deckchair. There is also a wooden bar to rest the foot in an upright position. This object is made from the hard wood mahogany and could have been used both in hospitals and at home.