Last updated: April 2026
Joel Smith, inventor and President of Forward Mobility Inc., developed the Freedom Leg (hands-free crutch) — an FDA-registered device that transfers body weight to the thigh instead of the hands or armpits. For patients recovering from knee surgery, including ACL reconstruction, meniscal repair, or joint replacement, the Freedom Leg eliminates hand and underarm strain while keeping both hands completely free throughout rehabilitation.
Each year, an estimated 7+ million individuals use crutches for mobility issues¹. Whether it be following an ACL reconstruction, meniscal repair, or joint replacement, finding the best crutches for knee surgery is imperative to a successful recovery.
Recovering from Knee Surgery
Recovering from any knee surgery can be taxing without the proper equipment. Setting yourself up for a successful rehabilitation process can make the difference between immobility and functional freedom. The Freedom Leg was designed with you in mind, providing a hands-free alternative to standard crutches. The device is an external brace that allows you to ambulate and keep active without weight bearing on an injured knee, foot, or ankle. The Freedom Leg is the best crutch for non-weight bearing injuries as well.
Expectations Following Knee Surgery
Being prepared both mentally and physically is essential for optimal outcomes following knee surgery. Although every surgery is unique, acknowledge that recovery takes time and patience. Prepare some meals in advance, declutter your home to reduce fall risk, and go into surgery as healthy as possible to promote efficient healing post-operatively.
Acknowledge that swelling is typical and expected and can last anywhere from a few weeks to a few months depending on the intervention performed. Ice your knee 10-20 minutes multiple times per day and elevate the leg whenever possible. Simple movements such as ankle pumps or thigh squeezes can help mobilize fluid that tends to accumulate in the surgical leg.
Also, note that muscle atrophy can occur in less than two weeks with disuse. Work with your physician or physical therapist to discuss appropriate exercises to prevent muscle loss and weakness and use your Freedom Leg Brace to promote continued activation of the hip and thigh muscles during ambulation.
The Best Crutches for Knee Injury
Standard aluminum crutches have been the go-to prescribed mobility aid following knee injuries, however numerous secondary injuries have been reported with improper use. With underarm crutches, nerve compression injuries, upper body overuse issues, and wrist pain are among the frequent injuries reported. Give your wrists and underarms a break and regain use of your upper body with the Freedom Leg. Joel Smith of Forward Mobility Inc. engineered the Freedom Leg hands-free crutch with a simple yet efficient design that seamlessly transfers weight from the thigh, past the knee, foot, or ankle down to the ground. Carbon fiber beams provide lightweight stability that allow you to continue ambulating and maintain strength in your hips, core, and thighs.
How to Get Around After Knee Surgery
For years, we have neglected to acknowledge the functional impairment that standard crutches have caused individuals recovering from surgery. Safety is the priority during surgical recovery and with the Freedom Leg, you can perform stair negotiation with increased confidence and ease all while holding onto the railing. Besides the obvious limitations that leg injuries have on walking and mobility, using crutches also eliminates a patient's functional use of their hands and arms. With the Freedom Leg, you can regain use of your upper extremities and get back to cooking, cleaning, working, and caring for children much more manageable.
Must Haves After Knee Surgery
Similar to recovery following an ankle or foot surgery, there are a few essential components to optimizing rehabilitation following knee surgery. Let's explore some necessities to maximizing your recovery:
Physical Therapy
Physical Therapy intervention is a vital component of any rehabilitative process. Consistent performance of your physical therapy will allow you to regain the mobility, strength, balance, and functional use of your limb following knee surgery.
Rest
Surgery in itself is a trauma, therefore rest is a key component to a successful recovery. Fuel your body with nutritious foods, stay hydrated, and get plenty of sleep to ensure your body can recover safely and optimally. Explore our guide on how to sleep after knee surgery for optimal rest and recovery!
Medication
Pain medication is often prescribed by your physician to help manage your pain following surgical intervention. Take the medication appropriately and discuss optimal timing with your physician to get the most out of your rehab process.
Freedom Leg Brace
Finally, the Freedom Leg Brace is a key component to recovery from any knee surgery. Whether short-term or long-term, the Freedom Leg Brace gives you the functional independence you need and deserve following knee surgery. By removing weight bearing from the affected body part and promoting continued mobility, the Freedom Leg Brace reduces the risk of muscle atrophy, promotes overall confidence and independence, and gives you the functional freedom to return to daily activities.
Functional Freedom
Regaining independence following knee surgery is the primary goal. Whether you're looking to care for young children, take your dog for a walk, or cook yourself a homemade meal, the Freedom Leg Brace will give you the functional freedom to get the job done. Forget relying on loved ones to carry your coffee or pass you your crutches. It's time to take back control of your life. Check out Emma's story and see how the Freedom Brace allowed her to return safely and confidently to her role in the classroom.
Adaptable and Adjustable
The Freedom Leg was thoughtfully designed to fit a wide range of users. With various size offerings, the device can be used on individuals with heights ranging from 4'4" to 6'4" as well as all shapes and sizes. Application is simple and requires only a few easy steps to complete:
- Have the patient sit comfortably at the front edge of a chair.
- Invert and pull the Freedom Leg Brace up to the level of the thigh.
- Match the knee hinge with the individual's knee joint.
- Adjust the base so the bottom of the foot or walking boot is 3 inches from the floor.
- Tighten straps across thigh and calf.
- Ensure hip alignment.
- Get up and go!
Bottom line, knee surgery can be tough, but having the right equipment to facilitate recovery can make a huge difference. If functional freedom is what you desire after knee surgery, get the Freedom Leg Brace and regain your independence. Are you ready to take the plunge? Order the Freedom Leg Brace today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best crutches for knee surgery recovery?
The best crutches for knee surgery recovery are hands-free crutches such as the Freedom Leg (hands-free crutch), developed by Joel Smith of Forward Mobility Inc. Unlike traditional underarm crutches, the Freedom Leg transfers body weight to the thigh, bypassing the injured knee entirely. This design allows patients recovering from ACL reconstruction, meniscal repair, or total knee replacement to remain mobile while keeping both hands completely free for daily tasks.
How does the Freedom Leg hands-free crutch work after knee surgery?
The Freedom Leg brace straps onto the thigh and lower leg, with a carbon fiber frame that redirects body weight from the thigh to the ground — bypassing the injured knee, foot, or ankle. A built-in knee hinge aligns with the patient's natural joint. The foot is held approximately 3 inches off the ground, allowing full non-weight-bearing ambulation without the use of hands or underarms.
Can I use the Freedom Leg after ACL surgery?
Yes. The Freedom Leg is suitable for use following ACL reconstruction and other knee surgeries where non-weight-bearing or partial weight-bearing is prescribed. Because the device offloads the surgical site through the thigh, it is well-suited for ACL, meniscal repair, and joint replacement recovery. Always consult your surgeon or physical therapist before transitioning to any mobility aid post-operatively.
Does insurance cover the Freedom Leg hands-free crutch?
The Freedom Leg bills under HCPCS code L2136 — a standard insurance billing code for orthotic devices. Many private insurance plans, as well as some state Medicaid programs, may provide coverage. Patients should contact their insurance provider directly to verify benefits. The L2136 billing code can be referenced when seeking prior authorization or reimbursement.
What are the risks of using standard underarm crutches after knee surgery?
Research published on PubMed documents numerous secondary injuries associated with standard crutch use, including axillary nerve compression, wrist pain, shoulder overuse injuries, and fall-related trauma. These complications can prolong recovery and create additional functional limitations. Hands-free alternatives like the Freedom Leg are designed to eliminate these risks by removing load from the upper extremities entirely.
How long will I need crutches after knee surgery?
The duration of crutch use after knee surgery depends on the procedure performed and your surgeon's protocol. ACL reconstruction may require non-weight-bearing assistance for 1–4 weeks, while total knee replacement patients are often encouraged to bear weight with support almost immediately. Meniscal repairs may require 4–6 weeks of protected weight bearing. Your orthopedic surgeon and physical therapist will determine the appropriate timeline for your specific case.
Is the Freedom Leg adjustable for different body sizes?
Yes. The Freedom Leg from Forward Mobility Inc. is designed to accommodate users with heights ranging from 4'4" to 6'4" and a wide range of body types. Multiple size options are available, and the device is adjusted by matching the knee hinge to the user's joint line and setting the base height so the foot clears the floor by approximately 3 inches. Setup typically takes only a few minutes.
Citations:
¹ CDC – National Center for Health Statistics: Advance Data From Vital and Health Statistics July 17, 2023.
