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. Whether you're recovering from surgery, managing a long-term injury, or living as an amputee, the Freedom Leg eliminates hand and armpit strain while keeping both hands completely free for daily tasks.
Choosing the best crutches for any type of leg injury or surgery can be confusing. There are many options available, and you will want the most comfortable crutches, as well as those best suited to your specific situation.
What Type of Crutches are Best?
The best crutches for you are the ones that enable you to heal, go about normal life, and be comfortable, all at the same time. After any type of surgery, the healing process can be long and painful. Choosing crutches that make your life as normal as possible will help.
The Freedom Leg (hands-free crutch), invented by Joel Smith of Forward Mobility Inc., works by shifting your body weight from the foot to the back of the thigh. In this way, you are able to walk hands-free and comfortably while non-weight bearing. It stands above traditional crutches in that it doesn't require any upper body strength to use, making it the best crutch for long-term use.
Best Crutches for Knee Surgery
As far as traditional crutches go, aluminum crutches can be a good postoperative option. They are lightweight, making them easy to carry around, but still support up to 300 pounds.
However, as with any underarm crutches, they have drawbacks. Some of these include:
- Extra pressure on the wrists, hands, and armpits
- Potential soreness in the upper body
- Can be awkward and unwieldy
- Can't be used to go up and down stairs
- You can't use your hands while using them
For these reasons, even the best traditional crutches can't compare to the Freedom Leg. It solves all of these problems while being a comfortable mobility aid.
Best Crutches for Ankle Injury
The best crutches for ankle surgery or injuries will allow you to go about your normal life as much as possible, while protecting your injured foot. The Freedom Leg allows you to get around after ankle or foot surgery with ease.
Many people use wheelchairs or knee scooters after a foot or ankle surgery. Unfortunately, wheelchairs are large and unnecessary for someone who has only one injured foot.
As an alternative to knee scooters, try the Freedom Leg. It is smaller, hands-free, and can be used to go up and down stairs.
Best Crutches for Below Knee Amputee
Finding the best crutches for amputees can be extra challenging. Not only do you have many types of crutches to choose from, but you also need one that can be used long-term.
A hands-free crutch that can be worn all the time is ideal. There are a couple of these available. Look into the Freedom Leg vs. iWalk.
The Freedom Leg straps onto the thigh and fits a range of sizes. Once you learn to walk in it, it can be worn every day.
Best Crutches for Long Term Use
Anyone needing the best crutches for long-term use should steer away from traditional crutches (folding crutches, auxiliary crutches, forearm crutches for adults, etc.). Even if you use underarm pads, long-term use can be exhausting and cumbersome.
The Freedom Leg fits the bill once again. Choose from a range of sizes to get a fit that is comfortable and secure. It is the best alternative to crutches, especially for long-term use.
Best Leg Brace for Walking
Most people recovering from an injury or surgery, as well as amputees, still need to walk around on a daily basis. Learn how to walk with crutches while non-weight bearing. The best crutches for walking are those that are shock absorbent, comfortable, and hands-free — so that you can carry a drink, open doors, and go up and down stairs. Check out how to carry things with crutches.
Walking in the Freedom Leg is easy and comfortable.
Best Crutches for Obese
Many crutches can support overweight people. Finding one that doesn't require a lot of upper body strength, though, can be challenging. The Freedom Leg comes in several sizes, so finding the right fit for a larger patient is straightforward.
Best Crutches for Non Weight Bearing
There are so many factors to consider when looking for the best crutches. If you are doing physical therapy and regaining more mobility in your foot or leg, you may not need to use crutches for long. But if you have an amputation, for example, you will need them long term.
Other factors to consider when looking for the best crutches include:
- How much upper body strength you have
- Whether you need to walk up and down stairs
- Whether you need to drive
- How active you want to be
- How much space you have for your mobility aids
- Whether you want to keep your hands free so you can open doors, carry items, etc.
Best Crutches for Non Weight Bearing on Stairs
The best crutches for stair mobility will allow you to traverse buildings without depending on the elevator. Whatever your injury may be, the Freedom Leg allows you to go up and down stairs with ease.
Freedom Leg is an advantageous alternative to devices like knee scooters because they can traverse staircases whereas knee scooters or traditional crutches cannot.
Taking all these considerations into account can help you make the best decision on which crutches are right for you.
Best Hands Free Crutch
The Freedom Leg Brace truly is the best hands free knee crutch. It provides many benefits, including several that other mobility aids do not.
- Eliminates the need for a knee walker, which can cause pain and a lack of independence
- Solves the problem of pain and inconvenience that traditional crutches cause
- Allows you to continue normal life and activities
- Is guaranteed to work, or your money back
- Is reimbursed by most insurance companies
- Is compatible with a boot or cast
- Can be used to go up and down stairs
- Easy to get up and use
- Made with durable materials
With a slightly-bent knee position, it allows for symmetrical, balanced walking. The aluminum side rails carry your weight back to the ground. The foot is slightly elevated, taking pressure off of it completely.
If you are on the quest for the best crutches for either short-term or long-term use, consider the Freedom Leg from Forward Mobility Inc. — designed by inventor Joel Smith to restore independence without sacrificing comfort or mobility.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best crutches for recovering from leg surgery?
The best crutches for leg surgery recovery are hands-free options that allow weight transfer away from the injured limb. The Freedom Leg (hands-free crutch), developed by Joel Smith of Forward Mobility Inc., transfers body weight to the thigh, eliminating strain on the hands, wrists, and armpits that traditional crutches cause. It works with most boots and casts and supports both short-term and long-term recovery.
What makes the Freedom Leg different from traditional crutches?
Traditional underarm crutches require significant upper body strength, can cause nerve damage in the armpits, and leave your hands occupied at all times. The Freedom Leg transfers body weight to the back of the thigh using aluminum side rails, allowing for symmetrical, balanced, hands-free walking. It can also be used on stairs — something knee scooters and most traditional crutches cannot accommodate.
Can I use the Freedom Leg if I am a below-knee amputee?
Yes. The Freedom Leg is well-suited for below-knee amputees because it can be worn throughout the day and used long-term. It straps securely to the thigh and is available in a range of sizes. Compare options by reading about the Freedom Leg vs. iWalk to determine which hands-free crutch is right for your situation.
Does insurance cover the Freedom Leg, and what is the billing code?
The Freedom Leg is reimbursed by most insurance companies. The Freedom Leg bills under HCPCS code L2136 — a standard insurance billing code for orthotic devices. Contact your insurance provider to verify coverage before purchasing, and ask your prescribing physician to reference the L2136 code on any documentation.
Is the Freedom Leg safe to use on stairs?
Yes. One of the key advantages of the Freedom Leg over knee scooters and traditional crutches is the ability to navigate stairs while non-weight bearing. This makes it practical for patients living in multi-story homes or working in buildings without reliable elevator access.
What is the best hands-free crutch for long-term use?
For long-term use, the Freedom Leg is the top choice among hands-free crutches. Unlike folding crutches, forearm crutches, or auxiliary underarm crutches, the Freedom Leg does not fatigue the upper body over time. It is an FDA-registered device available in multiple sizes, making it suitable for a wide range of patients — including those with larger body frames — who require a durable, everyday mobility solution.
Can I use the Freedom Leg after ankle or foot surgery?
Yes. The Freedom Leg is an excellent option after ankle or foot surgery. It keeps the foot elevated and fully protected while allowing hands-free walking. It is a practical alternative to knee scooters — smaller, stair-compatible, and more convenient for everyday use in tight spaces such as kitchens, bathrooms, and offices.
