If you're recovering from ankle surgery, your doctor has probably told you to stay completely off your foot. That means you need a mobility aid and fast. The problem? Not all crutches are created equal, and the wrong choice can make an already tough recovery even harder.
Here's a breakdown of the best crutches for ankle surgery, plus a hands-free alternative that most patients wish they'd known about from day one.
What Does "Non-Weight Bearing" Mean After Ankle Surgery?
Non-weight bearing (NWB) means your surgeon wants zero pressure on your foot and ankle while it heals. Whether you're recovering from an ankle fracture, Achilles repair, ankle fusion, or bunion surgery, this phase of recovery can last anywhere from a few weeks to several months.
During this time, your mobility aid isn't just a convenience it's a medical necessity. The wrong one can slow your recovery, cause new injuries, or simply make daily life miserable.
Types of Crutches for Ankle Surgery
Not sure what's out there? Here's a quick look at your main options. We also did a breakdown on the 7 most popular hands free crutch alternatives, that may be helpful too!
Standard Underarm (Axillary) Crutches
These are the classic crutches most people picture. They're inexpensive, widely available, and easy to find at any pharmacy.
The downside? They're notoriously uncomfortable. Armpit pain from crutches is one of the most common complaints during ankle fracture recovery. They also require significant upper-body strength, make it nearly impossible to carry anything, and become a real hazard on stairs or uneven ground.
Crutch tips and crutch pads can help with comfort, but they don't solve the fundamental problem: your hands are always occupied.
Forearm (Lofstrand) Crutches
Forearm crutches offer slightly better weight distribution than axillary crutches and are a popular option for people with more upper-body control. They're common in Europe and often recommended for longer-term use. Our Smartcrutch and Freedom Leg comparison offers insight into the benefits and downsides of each.
They're still a two-handed mobility aid, though — which means you still can't carry a coffee, help your kids, or do much of anything while moving around.
Hands-Free Crutch Alternatives
This is where things get interesting. Hands-free mobility devices have become increasingly popular among ankle surgery patients because they do exactly what the name says — they free up your hands while keeping you safely mobile. The two most common options are the knee scooter and the Freedom Leg.
Hands-Free Crutch Alternatives for Ankle Surgery
Freedom Leg
The Freedom Leg is a hands-free crutch that attaches to your upper thigh and lower leg using an aluminum side-rail system. Instead of bearing weight through your arms or armpits, load is transferred through your thigh — keeping your injured ankle completely off the ground while leaving both hands completely free.
It works with most orthopedic boots and walking boots, is safe on stairs, and is compatible with a wide range of ankle surgery diagnoses including fractures, fusions, Achilles repairs, and more. It's also compact enough to use indoors, outdoors, at work, and at home.
What Makes a Crutch "Hands-Free"?
A hands-free crutch is any mobility aid that allows you to move around without gripping handles or using your arms for support. Instead of transferring your body weight through your hands, a hands-free device — like the Freedom Leg — lets you walk in a more natural, upright position while your injured foot stays elevated. Check out our Freedom Leg vs IWalk head to head comparison.
This matters more than most people realize. When your hands are free, you can cook, carry groceries, work at a standing desk, pick up your kids, and actually live your life during recovery — not just survive it.
How to Choose the Right Crutch for Ankle Surgery
The best crutch for your ankle surgery depends on your injury, your living situation, and your lifestyle. Here are the most important factors to think through:
-
Upper-body strength — Traditional crutches demand a lot from your arms and shoulders. If strength is a concern, a hands-free option is worth considering.
-
Stairs — Knee scooters don't work on stairs. The Freedom Leg does.
-
Daily activity level — If you work, have kids, or need your hands for anything, hands-free wins every time.
-
Terrain — Living somewhere with uneven ground or outdoor walking? Traditional crutches and knee scooters both struggle here.
Hands-Free vs. Traditional Crutches
|
Traditional Crutches |
Freedom Leg |
|
|
Hands free |
✗ |
✓ |
|
Works on stairs |
✓ (with practice) |
✓ |
|
Works outdoors |
Limited |
✓ |
|
Upper-body strain |
High |
Low |
|
Learning curve |
Low |
Moderate |
|
Works with ortho boot |
✓ |
✓ |
When Freedom Leg May Not Be the Best Option
The Freedom Leg works for most ankle surgery patients, but it's not the right fit for everyone. It may not be ideal if:
-
You have a knee or thigh injury in addition to your ankle
-
Your surgeon requires complete lower-leg immobilization above the knee
-
You fall outside the height or weight specifications for the device
When in doubt, ask your foot and ankle surgeon before ordering. Most patients are good candidates, but it's always worth confirming with your care team.
How to Get Freedom Leg: Costs, Fitting & Insurance
The Freedom Leg can be ordered directly at freedomleg.com and ships quickly. Here's what to know before you buy:
-
Cost — The Freedom Leg is competitively priced compared to renting a knee scooter over a multi-week recovery timeline
-
Fitting — The device adjusts to fit most adults and comes with setup instructions; sizing guides are available on the website or the fitment quiz.
-
Insurance & HSA/FSA — Many patients use their HSA or FSA account to purchase the Freedom Leg. Check with your insurance provider about potential reimbursement under durable medical equipment (DME) coverage
Freedom Leg: Designed to Keep You Free
Most mobility aids are designed to keep you stable. The Freedom Leg was designed to keep you living.
From navigating stairs to getting back to work, parenting, and everyday tasks, the Freedom Leg gives ankle surgery patients something traditional crutches never could: real freedom during recovery. It's why foot and ankle surgeons increasingly recommend it — and why patients who try it rarely go back.
If you're facing non-weight bearing ankle recovery, don't settle for sore armpits and a couch-bound existence. Order your Freedom Leg today and get back to your life!
