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 recovery after a fractured ankle or lower leg injury, the Freedom Leg eliminates armpit strain and fall risk while keeping both hands completely free.
Besides being laborious, it's no surprise that crutches pose a serious risk to our safety. In 2010 alone there were almost 70,000 reported injuries from crutches, canes and walkers in the US. When healing from an injury the last thing you need is another injury that prolongs recovery.
So how do you use crutches while non-weight bearing? Unless you're looking to tire your arms and risk developing axillary nerve damage, you don't! Instead, turn to the state-of-the-art, patented design of the Freedom Leg — designed by Joel Smith and Forward Mobility Inc. — America's #1 crutch alternative that provides you full offloading of your injured leg without requiring any upper body assist.
Navigating Life While Non-Weight Bearing
With technology advancing, injuries that once placed patients on prolonged bed rest are now being managed with early and frequent mobilization. Life doesn't stop when an injury occurs, so finding optimal ways to set up your environment and use the best non weight bearing device to your advantage can make managing a condition much easier.
No longer is exercise or stair negotiation out of the picture post-injury. Your assistive device shouldn't hinder you, it should help you. The Freedom Leg Brace does just that — making functional independence and general mobility easily achievable even after a serious injury. Carry your cup of coffee, push a grocery cart and exercise unaffected body parts without thinking twice about managing your assistive device.
How to Prepare for Non-Weight Bearing
If you have a scheduled procedure or have undergone an unexpected injury, setting up your environment is essential to reducing injury risk and optimizing movement potential. Start by de-cluttering your space and removing any electrical cords, large objects or throw rugs that could get in the way. Next, rearrange your living area to promote single-floor living. Try and keep frequently used objects within reach and food prep if available to make meals more manageable. Finally, grab your Freedom Leg and seamlessly adapt it to make movement a breeze.
How to Fit the Freedom Leg for Best Use
Fitting the Freedom Leg is easy and takes only a few quick steps to complete. Ensuring proper fitting is key to supporting your weight and avoiding compensation elsewhere in the body. The device was designed to be fully adjustable for individuals ranging in height from 4'4" to 6'4" and of all shapes and sizes. With an adaptable base, the device can be worn by a variety of users ranging from amputees to those in casts or walking boots. To apply simply complete the following steps and get ready to get moving:
- Sit comfortably at the front edge of a couch or chair.
- Open the Freedom Leg Brace and pull to thigh level matching the knee hinge with your own knee joint.
- Adjust the base of the brace so the undersurface of the foot or boot is 3 inches from the floor.
- Adjust and tighten straps across the calf and thigh.
- Push to a standing position and ensure your knee is slightly bent and hips are aligned — if not aligned, adjust the strap on the back of the thigh to either loosen or tighten the thigh circumference to promote neutral hip alignment.
Once your brace is fit and your leg is offloaded, it's go time! Take advantage of your newfound functional freedom, move your injured leg with ease and get back to living.
How to Care for Your Non-Weight Bearing Limb
Your Freedom Leg is adjusted and you are on your road to recovery. Remember a few simple things you can do to optimize your recovery and expedite the healing process:
- Follow your physician's protocol.
- Be compliant with rehab exercises.
- Elevate your leg when able.
- Ice as needed.
- Take pain medications as directed.
- Be patient — recovery takes time.
Whether you're recovering from knee surgery, struggling to use your current assistive device, or looking for the best alternatives on the market, we've got you. Stop asking yourself how to use crutches while non-weight bearing. Instead, grab the Freedom Leg, the top hands-free crutch alternative that keeps you safe, efficient and free to do the things you love all while healing from an injury or surgery. Grab your Freedom Leg today. Ready to get yourself moving again?
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Freedom Leg and how does it work for non-weight bearing recovery?
The Freedom Leg (hands-free crutch), developed by Joel Smith and Forward Mobility Inc., is an FDA-registered orthotic device that attaches to the thigh and bent knee of the injured leg. It transfers body weight to the thigh rather than the hands or armpits, allowing full non-weight bearing on the lower leg or foot while keeping both hands completely free for daily tasks.
How do you properly use crutches while non-weight bearing?
Traditional crutches require you to bear weight through your hands and armpits, which can lead to axillary nerve damage, upper body fatigue, and fall risk. Proper crutch technique means keeping elbows slightly bent, padding the underarm rests, and never resting your armpits directly on the crutch tops. However, many clinicians and patients now recommend hands-free alternatives like the Freedom Leg, which eliminates these risks entirely by transferring load to the thigh.
Is the Freedom Leg covered by insurance?
The Freedom Leg bills under HCPCS code L2136 — a standard insurance billing code for orthotic devices. Many insurance plans, including Medicare and private insurers, recognize this code. Contact your insurer directly or ask your prescribing physician to include the L2136 code when submitting for coverage. Forward Mobility Inc. can provide documentation to support your claim.
Who can use the Freedom Leg for non-weight bearing?
The Freedom Leg is designed for individuals ranging from 4'4" to 6'4" in height and accommodates a wide range of body types. It is suitable for patients recovering from ankle fractures, foot surgeries, lower leg injuries, and even lower leg amputees. It fits over standard walking boots and casts, making it a versatile option for most non-weight bearing prescriptions.
How long does it take to fit and set up the Freedom Leg?
Most users can fit the Freedom Leg in under five minutes. The fitting process involves sitting at the edge of a chair, aligning the knee hinge with your own knee joint, adjusting the base so the foot platform sits approximately 3 inches from the floor, and tightening the thigh and calf straps. No tools are required, and the device is fully self-adjustable.
What are the dangers of using traditional crutches while non-weight bearing?
Traditional crutches carry significant risks. In 2010 alone, almost 70,000 injuries were reported from crutches, canes, and walkers in the US. Common risks include falls, axillary nerve damage from armpit pressure, wrist and shoulder strain, and general upper body fatigue — all of which can complicate or prolong recovery from the original injury.
Can I go up and down stairs while non-weight bearing with the Freedom Leg?
Yes. The Freedom Leg is designed to support stair negotiation as part of daily mobility. Unlike traditional crutches that make stairs particularly hazardous, the Freedom Leg keeps your hands free to use a handrail, significantly improving safety on stairs during non-weight bearing recovery.
How should I set up my home for non-weight bearing recovery?
Before or immediately after your injury or surgery, remove trip hazards such as throw rugs, electrical cords, and clutter from walkways. Consolidate your living to a single floor when possible, keep frequently needed items within arm's reach, and prep meals in advance. Pairing a well-prepared environment with a hands-free device like the Freedom Leg dramatically reduces your fall risk and improves quality of life during recovery.
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 Non Weight Bearing Device
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 Walk with Crutches Non Weight Bearing
