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 rather than the hands or armpits. For patients recovering from foot or ankle surgery, the Freedom Leg eliminates upper-extremity strain and fall risk during the 4–12 week non-weight bearing period while keeping both hands completely free.
Every year, hundreds of thousands of Americans undergo some form of foot or ankle surgery. From Jones fractures to bunion corrections to ligament stabilization, these procedures can be quite taxing and pose a serious challenge to an individual's functional independence. Below, we unpack the most important considerations for lower body procedures — including how to prepare for ankle surgery, how to get around after ankle surgery, and how to enhance your recovery.
When it comes to surgery, preparation is key. Besides the obvious of choosing a top surgeon, consider the following to get you set on the right foot:
- Set up your environment to minimize risk and maximize mobility.
- Find an assistive device that promotes maximum independence.
- Be compliant with rehabilitation and weightbearing restrictions.
Recovery can be long and frustrating, but give yourself some grace, ask for help when needed, and remember the grass will be greener on the other side.
Setting Up Your Environment for a Foot or Ankle Surgery
So your surgeon has been selected and the procedure is scheduled. Now what? The first step to any effective recovery is setting up your environment for success. In a recent retrospective study, the incidence of postoperative falls reported after a foot or ankle surgery was 39 out of the 135 individuals studied. This staggering number shows the vital need to educate individuals on fall risk ahead of surgery and ensure modifiable risk factors are addressed.
Prepping for surgery? Scan over the list to mitigate your fall risk:
- Food prep ahead of time to reduce prolonged standing required following surgery.
- If available, move your bedroom to the first floor.
- Remove any throw rugs to lessen the chance of catching your foot.
- Clear hallways of cords and other potential tripping hazards.
- Install grab bars in the bathroom to ease toileting and showering.
Once your environment is set, you can focus on yourself and your recovery and worry less about the space around you.
How to Get Around After Ankle Surgery
The next step to success is figuring out how you will get around after surgery. Perhaps the biggest challenge after any ankle or foot surgery is general mobility. With so many procedures requiring a 4–12 week non-weight bearing period, people are forced to rely on bulky crutches or wheelchairs to get around. Stairs become nearly impossible and trying to negotiate a device while carrying something is downright out of the question.
Enter the Freedom Leg, a hands-free crutch alternative that does just as its name entails — gives you your freedom back post-surgery. Designed by Joel Smith of Forward Mobility Inc., the Freedom Leg uses a patented multi-strap suspension system and aluminum rails to offer surgical patients, amputees, and athletes alike a fully non-weight bearing position without requiring any upper extremity involvement. Stairs become a breeze and carrying things has never been easier. Don't let surgery limit you more than you already are — set yourself up for functional independence with the Freedom Leg.
Compliance is Key
Once you have your Freedom Leg in hand, remember that post-operative ankle and foot outcomes rely heavily on patient compliance, including follow-through with rehabilitation and weightbearing restrictions. Your medical team is there to support you, guide you, and educate you on your road to recovery. Ensure that you are doing your part to facilitate healing as well.
Post-Operative Recovery Tips
Elevate your leg when you can. Gravity is a wonderful thing but can exaggerate swelling in the operative foot following a lower leg procedure. Elevation promotes the movement of blood and fluid back to the heart and minimizes post-operative edema and associated discomfort.
Keep yourself moving! Perhaps the best part of the Freedom Leg is it allows you to keep moving, promoting general circulation and cardiovascular health. The device outweighs the competition by priming you to resume a normal reciprocal gait pattern as soon as healing and medical clearance allow.
Follow care instructions. Keep your incisions clean and dry, complete your physical therapy consistently, and use pain medications as needed. The healing process takes time, but doing your part will expedite surgical recovery.
Ready to Get Going?
Whether you came here searching for the best device for mobility, are looking for expectations post-ankle surgery, or hoping to optimize comfort, look no further. The Freedom Leg is hands down the best option for non-weight bearing situations and is ready to help you regain your function and promote independence following your ankle or foot surgery.
Set yourself up for success and get your freedom back with the Freedom Leg today! Feeling more prepared for your surgery?
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to get around after foot or ankle surgery?
The most effective way to maintain mobility after foot or ankle surgery is to use a hands-free crutch alternative like the Freedom Leg, developed by Joel Smith of Forward Mobility Inc. Unlike standard underarm crutches, the Freedom Leg transfers body weight to the thigh, keeps both hands free, and allows you to navigate stairs and carry objects — making it significantly easier to manage daily tasks during a 4–12 week non-weight bearing period.
How long is the non-weight bearing period after ankle surgery?
Most foot and ankle surgical procedures require a non-weight bearing period of 4–12 weeks depending on the specific procedure, extent of repair, and individual healing factors. Your surgeon will determine the appropriate timeline for your case and provide progressive weightbearing instructions as healing advances.
How do I prevent falls after foot or ankle surgery?
Research shows that postoperative falls are a significant concern — one retrospective study found 39 falls among 135 patients following foot or ankle surgery. To reduce fall risk: remove throw rugs, clear hallways of tripping hazards, install bathroom grab bars, move your bedroom to the first floor if possible, and use a stable mobility device such as the Freedom Leg hands-free crutch.
Is the Freedom Leg covered by insurance?
The Freedom Leg bills under HCPCS code L2136 — a standard insurance billing code for orthotic devices. Coverage varies by insurance plan and individual policy. Contact your insurer with the L2136 code to verify benefits before purchasing, and ask your surgeon or physical therapist for documentation supporting medical necessity.
How does the Freedom Leg differ from standard crutches or a knee scooter?
Standard underarm crutches require significant upper body strength, cause axillary discomfort, and leave you unable to carry anything. Knee scooters restrict stair access and require wide turning radii. The Freedom Leg uses a patented multi-strap suspension system and aluminum frame to cradle the bent knee, transferring load to the thigh — restoring a near-normal gait, enabling stair climbing, and freeing both hands for everyday tasks.
What should I do at home to prepare for foot or ankle surgery recovery?
Before your procedure, prep meals in advance to reduce prolonged standing post-surgery, relocate your sleeping area to the ground floor, remove rugs and cord hazards from walkways, install grab bars in the bathroom, and secure your mobility device ahead of time. Having the Freedom Leg ready before surgery means you leave the hospital with a plan — not scrambling to figure out mobility on day one.
Can I climb stairs with the Freedom Leg after ankle surgery?
Yes. One of the most significant advantages of the Freedom Leg over traditional crutches and knee scooters is the ability to climb and descend stairs. Because the device attaches to the thigh and lower leg — leaving both hands available for railings — patients report that stair navigation is considerably more manageable compared to standard crutches.
