A resiliently-deformable unitary polymer body configured to be removably installed on a wheelchair footrest bracket may comprise first and second keyhole-shaped openings on a first side of the body for snapping-on to the wheelchair frame tube and the pivot pin or post on the footrest bracket, respectively. Additionally, a planar cavity may be located in the body, intersecting perpendicularly the first and second keyhole-shaped openings, and open at least in part to the first side, for receiving at least partially therein a planar blade portion of the footrest bracket. Opposite the first side, cushioned second and front sides of the body are designed to be positioned toward the front of the wheelchair to protect a user's legs. The body may be symmetrical about a horizontal plane so that it can be flipped over and used on both left and right sides of a wheelchair. Methods of use are provided.