What Are Ankle Cuffs Called? Restraint Terminology
What are ankle cuffs called?
The Quick Answer
Ankle restraints are clinically termed **legcuffs** or **leg irons**, with alternative names including **shackles**, **footcuffs**, or **fetters**. In fitness contexts, they're called **ankle cuffs** or **ankle straps** for cable machine exercises. Law enforcement uses hinged metal legcuffs connected by chain or rigid bar; medical/security settings may use softer fabric restraints for patient safety—always distinguished from wrist restraints by size, padding width, and load-bearing specifications.
Why We Ask This
Confusion between restraint types leads to dangerous substitutions in security, medical, or fitness settings—using equipment beyond its design specifications creates injury risks or security failures when devices fail under inappropriate loads.
The Practical Science
Restraint classification follows anatomical application and force requirements: wrist restraints withstand ~50–100 lbs pull force; ankle restraints rated for 200–300 lbs due to larger muscle groups. Material standards differ—medical restraints use breakaway features; law enforcement prioritizes tamper resistance.
In Clinical Practice
A correctional officer selects hinged steel legcuffs with 18-inch chain for transport—appropriate for ankle circumference and escape risk—versus fabric limb holders for psychiatric patients requiring gentle restriction without injury risk, demonstrating context-appropriate equipment selection.
References & Context
Legcuffs - Wikipedia"Legcuffs are physical restraints used on the ankles of a person to allow walking only with a restricted stride and to prevent running and effective physical resistance. Frequently used alternative terms are leg cuffs, (leg/ankle) shackles, footcuffs, fetters or leg irons."