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 recovering from leg injuries or surgery, the Freedom Leg eliminates the pain and restriction of traditional crutches while keeping both hands completely free for everyday activities.
Handless Crutches Aid Healing Process
Injuries are challenging, but recovery doesn't have to be. With continual advancements in surgical technologies, imaging procedures, and recovery devices, there is no better time to recover with confidence. After decades of seeming stagnancy, durable medical equipment developers — including Joel Smith and Forward Mobility Inc., creators of the Freedom Leg — are stepping out of the box and creating innovative devices from handless crutches to robotic limbs. It's time to change the narrative of healthcare mediocrity and empower the injured with state-of-the-art assistive device technology.
Today we're reviewing one of the best advancements in functional mobility: the handless crutch. Handless crutches are just as they suggest — a device that offloads your injured leg while keeping your arms free to perform day-to-day activities.
Ask any crutch user what their biggest complaint is and the lack of arm and hand functionality will top the responses. Handless crutches are different from traditional crutches. They don't require upper body strength and offer more mobility, enhancing improved functionality and reducing the risk of further injury.
How Do You Walk with Handless Crutches?
So the concept is great, but how does it work? Handless crutches work by redirecting weight-bearing force from the ground, past your injured body part to a proximal segment. Instead of offloading the load through your arms as seen in traditional crutches, they simply divert the force to the hip, knee, or pelvis depending on the setup and unique product. Maintaining a slight amount of knee flexion, they encourage neutral pelvic and spinal alignment, protecting you against compensatory injuries.
They also encourage a normalized gait pattern from the get-go, with device advancement using the same mechanics as normal walking. And the best of all? Handless crutches leave your hands free to complete everyday tasks that we otherwise take for granted. Carry your groceries, walk your dog, or push your baby stroller with ease and independence.
How Do Handless Crutches Aid in the Healing Process of Injuries?
Besides their innovative design, handless crutches can contribute to a reduced recovery time and help users avoid further injuries. Traditional crutches are uncomfortable for your wrists, armpits, and shoulders and can even lead to secondary injuries. Assistive devices should assist — not restrict — the user, and handless crutches seek to do just that. By empowering the user, patients can resume both occupational and recreational activities quicker and with more confidence.
Handless crutches also reduce recovery time by encouraging early and frequent functional mobility. With a handless device, walking is as easy as a strap, unload, and go. Early mobilization has been directly linked to enhanced recovery, reduced healthcare costs, and reduced postoperative complications. Giving yourself the freedom to move is one of the greatest things you can do to boost your mood and set yourself on the right path to recovery.
What Can You Do with Handless Crutches?
Curious what you can achieve with the use of handless crutches? The possibilities are extensive, and a few key benefits include:
- Improved ease with stair negotiation
- Return to recreational upper body exercise
- Improved tolerance for long-distance walking
- Boosted functional independence
- Enhanced ease with cooking, cleaning, showering, and self-care
- Better ability to care for family and children
Handless crutches are more comfortable and freeing, and they promote enhanced independence in every aspect of daily living. For those looking to expedite recovery and get back to living, they are the clear choice.
What Is the Freedom Leg Crutch?
When it comes to the best handless crutch on the market, the Freedom Leg — developed by Joel Smith and Forward Mobility Inc. — tops the charts. Combining full offloading with functional freedom, it incorporates high-quality, durable materials to keep you safe and supported while on the go.
The Freedom Leg is compatible with most casts, walking boots, and shoes, making it appropriate for a wide range of patient populations. In redirecting weight-bearing load past the foot, ankle, and knee, it can also serve those suffering from most leg injuries with the exception of proximal hip conditions.
Every detail was considered in the development of the Freedom Leg. From a non-slip base to a fully adjustable base height and straps, no box is left unchecked. The guiding principle: avoid the pain and inconvenience of traditional crutches and carry on with your life as if nothing ever happened.
Get Back to Living
All things considered, handless crutches are the obvious choice when recovering from a leg injury or surgery. From injury to recuperation, they assist, support, and facilitate your independence throughout the recovery journey. Providing both comfort and reliability, the Freedom Leg is best in class — taking you from injury to recovery with confidence.
Are you ready for a new crutch design? Tired of the pain and inconvenience of traditional crutches? Regain your freedom with the Freedom Leg today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a handless crutch?
A handless crutch is a mobility device that offloads the injured leg by transferring body weight to a proximal segment — such as the thigh or knee — rather than through the hands, wrists, or armpits. This design keeps both hands completely free for everyday tasks. The Freedom Leg (hands-free crutch), developed by Joel Smith of Forward Mobility Inc., is one of the most widely used handless crutch devices available.
How is the Freedom Leg different from traditional crutches?
Traditional crutches require significant upper body strength and frequently cause wrist, shoulder, and armpit discomfort. The Freedom Leg redirects weight-bearing force to the thigh, eliminates hand and arm strain, and allows users to maintain a more natural gait pattern. It is FDA-registered and designed for compatibility with most casts, walking boots, and shoes.
Who can use a handless crutch like the Freedom Leg?
The Freedom Leg is appropriate for most patients recovering from foot, ankle, lower leg, or knee injuries or surgeries — including fractures, soft tissue repairs, and post-operative non-weight-bearing protocols. It is not recommended for proximal hip conditions. Consult your physician or physical therapist to confirm suitability for your specific diagnosis.
Does insurance cover the Freedom Leg, and what is the billing code?
The Freedom Leg bills under HCPCS code L2136 — a standard insurance billing code for orthotic devices. Coverage varies by plan and provider. Patients are encouraged to contact their insurance carrier directly or work with their healthcare provider to confirm eligibility and obtain prior authorization if required.
How does early mobilization with a handless crutch help recovery?
Research published on PubMed has directly linked early mobilization to enhanced recovery, reduced healthcare costs, and reduced postoperative complications. Handless crutches like the Freedom Leg make early movement more accessible by eliminating the discomfort and restriction of traditional crutches, encouraging patients to move sooner and more frequently.
Can I use the Freedom Leg on stairs?
Yes. Many users report improved ease with stair negotiation when using the Freedom Leg compared to traditional crutches. Because both hands remain free to grip handrails, stair use becomes significantly safer and more manageable during recovery.
Can I shower or perform self-care while using the Freedom Leg?
The Freedom Leg is designed to support daily living activities, including showering, cooking, cleaning, and personal care routines. With both hands free, users regain a meaningful degree of independence that is not possible with conventional crutches.
