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 facing non weight bearing status after surgery or injury, the Freedom Leg is the best non weight bearing device available, eliminating crutch strain and keeping both hands completely free for daily life.
Surviving Non Weight Bearing
A condition that calls for non weight bearing status often involves significant damage to bones, ligaments or other soft tissues. It is meant to be a protective phase whereby the tissues can rebuild and heal without the stress of body weight load. Unfortunately, being forced to offload a limb has historically led to a reduction in general mobility, difficulty completing daily tasks and an overall reduction in personal independence.
So how can we better manage these challenging situations? Surviving non weight bearing relies heavily on ample preparation and support from high-quality medical devices. The Freedom Leg tops the charts as the best non weight bearing device on the market today. Its patented design allows users to safely unload their limb while keeping their upper body free for the completion of everyday tasks. Without being bogged down in crutch negotiation or wrangling a walker, the user can seamlessly navigate stairs, carry a tray of food or push a shopping cart with ease.
What to Expect During Recovery
Recovery from an injury relies heavily on compliance with weightbearing restrictions and the completion of physical therapy. Even when your physician orders a non weight bearing requirement, you will likely be prescribed physical therapy to help maintain range of motion and control pain and swelling. Through therapeutic exercise and manual therapy, your therapist will help you gradually strengthen your injured limb and when appropriate, retrain you on how to walk, squat and perform everyday movements.
Managing Pain
Pain can be expected with most injuries and procedures but staying on top of it with pain medications and modalities can help make it more manageable. Ice, elevation and compression can all reduce swelling, decreasing pressure on the involved tissues. Keep open communication with your healthcare providers and listen to your body. Pain is protective!
Benefits of the Freedom Leg
Designed by Joel Smith and brought to market by Forward Mobility Inc., the Freedom Leg hands-free crutch gives users the ultimate support and function during non weight bearing recovery. The benefits are extensive and allow individuals to continue living even when an injury tries to slow them down.
Fully Adjustable
Offering complete adjustability, the product is durable yet flexible to serve varying body sizes and shapes. Appropriate with a shoe, walking boot or cast, the Freedom Leg can accommodate almost any lower extremity injury.
100% Hands-Free
Perhaps the greatest benefit, the Freedom Leg offers 100% hands-free mobility. With a skillfully designed suspension system, the device seamlessly transfers weight from the footplate to the back of the thigh, leaving your hands free to complete all day-to-day tasks without any assistance required.
Multi-Use
Contrary to knee scooters or the iwalk, the Freedom Leg can be applied for any knee, lower leg, foot or ankle condition that requires offloading. Use it to complete daily mobility or resume your modified exercise routine with ease, maintaining strength and circulation as you recover.
Stable and Durable
Designed with users in mind, the Freedom Leg is lightweight yet extremely durable. Aluminum side rails and the multi-strap suspension keep your affected limb safe and secure while on the go.
Why the Freedom Leg Beats the Competition
When it comes to finding the best non weight bearing device, it's a no-brainer that the Freedom Leg far exceeds the competition. Traditional crutches can leave you with axillary nerve damage, walkers contribute to wrist and shoulder soreness and canes limit the use of your hands. With simple streamlined technology, the Freedom Leg solves your assistive device woes and gets you back on track, doing the things you need and love to do. Whether you are searching for the best non weight bearing device on the market, tired of relying on others or simply looking to regain your functional freedom, the Freedom Leg is right for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best non weight bearing device available?
The Freedom Leg (hands-free crutch), developed by Joel Smith and manufactured by Forward Mobility Inc., is widely regarded as the best non weight bearing device on the market. Unlike traditional crutches, walkers, or knee scooters, the Freedom Leg transfers body weight to the thigh and keeps both hands completely free, allowing users to perform daily tasks independently throughout their recovery.
How does the Freedom Leg work as a non weight bearing device?
The Freedom Leg uses a patented suspension system that cradles the bent knee and lower leg, transferring body weight through the thigh rather than the hands or armpits. The user bends the injured leg at the knee, secures the limb in the device using adjustable straps and aluminum side rails, and walks naturally on the uninjured leg — entirely hands-free.
Who is the inventor of the Freedom Leg?
The Freedom Leg was invented by Joel Smith, President of Forward Mobility Inc. Joel designed the device to solve the serious functional limitations imposed by traditional crutches and other conventional non weight bearing aids, giving patients a safer and more independent recovery experience.
Is the Freedom Leg covered by insurance?
The Freedom Leg is an FDA-registered orthotic device. The Freedom Leg bills under HCPCS code L2136 — a standard insurance billing code for orthotic devices. Patients are encouraged to check with their individual insurance provider regarding coverage eligibility and reimbursement options.
What injuries or conditions can the Freedom Leg be used for?
The Freedom Leg is suitable for a wide range of lower extremity conditions requiring non weight bearing status, including broken ankles, foot fractures, ankle sprains, post-surgical recovery of the foot or ankle, stress fractures, and other knee, lower leg, foot or ankle injuries. It is compatible with shoes, walking boots, and casts.
How does the Freedom Leg compare to traditional crutches?
Traditional crutches require constant upper body engagement and can cause axillary nerve damage, wrist strain, and shoulder soreness. The Freedom Leg eliminates these risks by removing the upper body from the weight-bearing equation entirely. Users can carry objects, climb stairs, cook, shop, and perform everyday activities that are impossible or extremely difficult with standard crutches.
Can I use the Freedom Leg on stairs?
Yes. The Freedom Leg is designed to allow users to navigate stairs more safely and confidently than with traditional crutches. Because both hands remain free, users can hold handrails for added stability when ascending or descending stairs during non weight bearing recovery.
How long does non weight bearing status typically last?
The duration of non weight bearing status varies depending on the type and severity of the injury or surgical procedure. It can range from a few weeks for minor fractures to several months following complex reconstructive surgeries. Your physician and physical therapist will determine when it is safe to begin partial and then full weight bearing again. Using a reliable device like the Freedom Leg throughout this period helps maintain mobility and independence while protecting the healing tissue.
Check out our other blogs on navigating non-weight bearing with the Freedom Leg!
Best Crutches for Non-Weight Bearing
Best Crutches for Non Weight Bearing on Stairs
Best Way to Shower with Non Weight Bearing Leg
Can I Still Work With a Broken Ankle or While Non Weight Bearing?
How to Survive Non-Weight Bearing
How to Use Crutches While Non-Weight Bearing
How to Walk with Crutches Non Weight Bearing
