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 placed under non-weight bearing restrictions, the Freedom Leg eliminates arm fatigue and upper extremity strain while keeping both hands completely free to carry, cook, and navigate daily life.
You injured your leg and your physician put you under non-weight bearing restrictions. When the panic of the injury settles, you quickly realize you need to set up your physical therapy, find an assistive device, and figure out how to walk with crutches while non-weight bearing. Although seemingly daunting at first, surviving non-weight bearing restrictions is possible and with the right assistance can be quite simple.
Maintaining your autonomy after an injury relies heavily on an efficiently set up home environment and carefully chosen mobility aids that will facilitate versus hinder your functional recovery. Life carries on after an injury and you need to as well. Follow along as we discuss how to navigate non-weight bearing restrictions, recommend mobility aids, and review tips and tricks to get you back on your feet in no time.
What does non-weight bearing mean?
When a physician orders weight-bearing restrictions, it can mean a number of things. Clarifying your weight-bearing status is vital to protecting your injured limb and streamlining the healing process.
In general, there are five primary types of weight-bearing restrictions. Each varies in the amount of pressure allowed through the affected limb and is often correlated to the acuity or severity of the injury.
Full weight-bearing
In full weight-bearing, the individual is allowed to place their full weight through the affected limb. This full weight-bearing designation applies to standing, walking, stair negotiation, and balancing activities.
Weight-bearing, as tolerated
In this classification, individuals are encouraged to place as much weight through the limb as they can tolerate. Pain is typically the limiting factor but with time and practice, increasing levels of weight-bearing will be tolerated.
Touch-down weight-bearing
Touch-down weight-bearing refers to the weight-bearing designation in which the patient is allowed to place their foot down for balance in static standing or sitting but cannot bear any load through the limb during active movement or walking.
Partial weight-bearing
Partial weight-bearing refers to any load-bearing appointment greater than non-weight bearing and less than full weight-bearing. Oftentimes a physician will assign 25%, 50%, or 75% partial weight-bearing with progressively increasing loads to prepare the limb for a return to full weight-bearing.
Non-weight bearing
Non-weight bearing refers to no weight allowed through the affected limb during both static and dynamic activities and is the most strict of the weight-bearing designations. When recovering from a non weight bearing injury, you will need to walk with care and be prepared with the best option available.
Tips to enhance safety while non-weight bearing
When you are non-weight bearing, a few essential tips can keep you safe and protected both at home and on the go.
- Remember that non-weight bearing is meant to protect you. It is a restriction, not a suggestion so follow your orders to expedite healing and keep yourself safe.
- Set up your environment for efficiency. Place frequently used objects within arm's reach, remove any unneeded throw rugs or tripping hazards, and don't be afraid to ask for help if you need it.
- Take your time. Accidents typically happen when people are feeling stressed or rushed. Your body is adjusting to new challenges so give yourself some grace and a little extra time to get the job done.
- Listen to your body. Pain is protective and will tell you when something is wrong. Rest when you can, elevate your injured leg as needed, and focus on recovery.
How to walk with crutches, non-weight bearing?
When assigned a non-weight bearing status, the first order of business is getting an assistive device that will allow you to get around. With most traditional crutches, canes, and walkers, weight is offloaded through the arms, wrists, and hands and into the device. The patient is taught to advance the device, then move the injured limb forward by performing a single leg hop on the unaffected leg. Although crutches effectively unload the affected limb, these devices can leave your hands tied up and your arms fatigued, making everyday tasks like carrying a cup of coffee, cooking dinner, or lifting your child a serious challenge.
So how do I choose the right assistive device?
Choosing the right assistive device comes down to finding a product that maximizes your functional independence. If you're trying without avail to go up and down the stairs with crutches or feeling fatigued from prolonged crutch use, maybe traditional crutches aren't the right answer for you. Consider instead a hands-free crutch alternative, such as the Freedom Leg, that gives you the freedom to move and maintain your non-weight bearing restrictions without any upper extremity involvement.
Side effects of traditional crutches
Traditional crutches, while practical in their ability to offload a lower extremity, leave many users with unneeded struggles and side effects. Besides limiting upper extremity use, traditional crutches can often lead to overuse injuries in the wrists and hands and neurological damage to the axillary region. Assistive devices are meant to assist, not restrict and the truth is as a medical community, we can do better. While products like the iwalk allow hands-free functioning, the Freedom Leg opens up opportunities for individuals with foot and ankle injuries as well as knee injuries.
Benefits of Freedom Leg
Joel Smith and the team at Forward Mobility Inc. engineered the Freedom Leg to be the first of its kind, using durable materials and medical engineering to seamlessly offload the affected limb while simultaneously promoting independent mobility. Its hands-free design uses custom aluminum side rails and a multi-point suspension system to transfer force from the ground, past your affected body part, and up through your proximal leg. With multiple points of adjustment and comfortable for all sizes, the Freedom Leg can accommodate almost any body type and lower extremity injury.
Cruise up the stairs in a breeze and complete daily tasks without the hassle of juggling crutches or a walker. Forget trying to walk with crutches while non-weight bearing and instead walk with the hands-free freedom you deserve. Protect your limb, free up your upper body, and dive back into life with the Freedom Leg.
Ready to learn more? Check out the Freedom Leg for yourself today!
Frequently Asked Questions
What does non-weight bearing mean after an injury?
Non-weight bearing means no weight is to be placed through the affected limb during any activity — standing, walking, or transferring. It is the most restrictive weight-bearing designation a physician can order and is typically prescribed following surgeries, fractures, or significant soft tissue injuries. Following this order precisely protects the injury site and promotes proper healing.
How do I walk with crutches when I am non-weight bearing?
With traditional axillary crutches, you advance both crutches forward simultaneously, then swing or hop your unaffected leg through. The injured limb remains elevated and off the ground at all times. However, this technique requires significant upper body strength, balance, and coordination. Many patients find traditional crutch gait exhausting and difficult to sustain. A hands-free alternative like the Freedom Leg (hands-free crutch) from Forward Mobility Inc. eliminates the need for upper extremity support entirely by transferring load to the thigh.
What is the best hands-free crutch alternative for non-weight bearing?
The Freedom Leg, developed by Joel Smith at Forward Mobility Inc., is an FDA-registered hands-free crutch designed for patients with non-weight bearing restrictions affecting the foot, ankle, or knee. Unlike knee scooters or standard crutches, the Freedom Leg uses a multi-point suspension system and custom aluminum rails to transfer body weight to the thigh, freeing both hands for daily activities. It is particularly well suited for patients who need to climb stairs, cook, or return to work during recovery.
Can I use a knee scooter instead of crutches when non-weight bearing?
Knee scooters are a viable option for flat surfaces and indoor environments, but they are not practical on stairs, uneven terrain, or in tight spaces. They also require the patient to kneel on the injured-side knee, which limits their use for knee-level injuries. The Freedom Leg offers greater versatility because it attaches securely to the limb and allows stair climbing and hands-free movement across varied environments.
How long do most people stay non-weight bearing?
The duration of non-weight bearing status varies widely depending on the injury, surgical intervention, and individual healing rate. Minor fractures may require only a few weeks of non-weight bearing, while complex surgeries such as calcaneus repairs or Achilles tendon reconstructions may require six to twelve weeks or longer. Always follow your physician's specific timeline and consult your physical therapist before progressing weight-bearing status.
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 insurance plans, including Medicare and private insurers, may provide partial or full reimbursement depending on your individual plan and documented medical necessity. Contact your insurance provider with code L2136 to verify your coverage before purchasing, or reach out to Forward Mobility Inc. for assistance with documentation.
What are the risks of using traditional crutches long-term?
Prolonged use of traditional axillary crutches carries documented risks including axillary nerve compression (which can cause numbness or weakness in the arm), carpal tunnel syndrome, wrist tendinitis, and shoulder impingement. These overuse injuries are especially common when crutch use extends beyond a few weeks. Hands-free alternatives like the Freedom Leg eliminate pressure on the axilla and upper extremities entirely, reducing these risks during extended non-weight bearing recovery.
Can I go up and down stairs while non-weight bearing?
Yes, with proper technique and the right assistive device. With traditional crutches, stair negotiation requires significant upper body strength and balance — leading up with the unaffected leg and trailing down with it as well ("up with the good, down with the bad"). The Freedom Leg provides a significant advantage for stair use because both hands remain free to grip railings, and the device stays securely attached to the limb throughout the movement. Always consult your physical therapist before attempting stairs independently.
What injuries qualify for use of the Freedom Leg hands-free crutch?
The Freedom Leg is designed for a broad range of lower extremity injuries requiring non-weight bearing or restricted weight-bearing status. This includes foot fractures, ankle fractures, Achilles tendon repairs, metatarsal stress fractures, ankle ligament surgeries, and select knee injuries. Because the device transfers load to the thigh via a multi-point suspension system, it is suitable for injuries at or below the knee. Consult your physician or physical therapist to confirm the Freedom Leg is appropriate for your specific diagnosis.
How is the Freedom Leg different from the iWALK hands-free crutch?
Both the Freedom Leg and the iWALK are hands-free crutch alternatives, but they differ in design and clinical application. The iWALK is primarily designed for below-the-knee injuries and requires the patient to bear weight through the knee in a bent position. The Freedom Leg, engineered by Joel Smith and Forward Mobility Inc., accommodates foot, ankle, and knee-level injuries by transferring load to the thigh — making it a viable option for a wider range of diagnoses. For a detailed comparison, see our Freedom Leg vs. iWALK comparison.
Check out our other blogs on navigating non-weight bearing and moving with the Freedom Leg!
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Can I Still Work With a Broken Ankle or While Non Weight Bearing?
Crutches on an Airplane? Our Guide to Flying While Injured
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