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 a foot injury or surgery, the Freedom Leg eliminates hand and armpit strain while keeping both hands completely free, making low-impact exercise far more accessible during recovery.
Low Impact Exercises You Should Try
Maintaining your fitness while recovering from a foot injury or surgery doesn't mean you have to stop moving entirely. Low impact exercises can keep you active while ensuring that your healing process is not compromised. Here's how you can stay in shape safely with the Freedom Leg, with some recommendations and precautions.
Low Impact Cardio with a Foot Injury
Engage in cardio exercises that do not require putting pressure on your hurt foot. Stationary cycling, swimming, and using an elliptical machine with the support of your Freedom Leg crutches can enhance your heart health without risking further injury. These activities help maintain your cardiovascular fitness and promote circulation, speeding up the recovery.
If you are using the Freedom Leg or a crutch alternative, you will need to find an option that works around the brace. Check out our other article for the Best Crutch Alternative. For the lower body, oftentimes it can be laying on your back and doing leg lifts or raises. Finding alternatives may have you in strange positions but everything will be an adjustment after a surgery or injury.
Upper Body Strength Training After Surgery
Strengthening your upper body is crucial when your mobility is limited. Utilize resistance bands, free weights, or even body weight to perform exercises like seated presses, bicep curls, and tricep extensions. These exercises help you maintain muscle mass and overall strength, and with Freedom Leg, you can perform them without stressing your injured foot.
A Shoulder and Biceps Workout:
A great way to start would be with a warm up, including stretches or some yoga. Then right into the work out with 3 sets of 10-12 reps seated curls - with weight or bands. Again 3 sets of 10-12 reps seated shoulder flys - again with weights or bands. Ending with 3 sets of 10-12 reps of shoulder presses - weights are preferred. (Here's a short guide to Sets and Reps)
Yoga and Stretching
Yoga and stretching are vital for keeping your muscles flexible and joints mobile, especially when you're less active. Focus on poses and stretches that can be done while seated or lying flat on the floor. Use props such as yoga blocks or straps to aid your stretches and ensure you do not strain your injured leg.
Expert Tips and Precautions
Knowing Your Limits
Understanding and respecting your body's healing timeline is key to a successful recovery. Start with gentle movements and gradually increase the intensity as your comfort and strength improve. Always listen to your body and stop immediately if you experience pain.
When to Start Exercising After Surgery
It is crucial to consult with your healthcare provider about the appropriate time to begin exercising after your surgery. Typically, you might start with gentle stretching and gradually incorporate more substantial activities as advised by your doctor.
Using Freedom Leg During Exercise
Mobility After Injury or Surgery
The Freedom Leg crutches provide exceptional support and mobility for individuals recovering from foot surgery, ankle surgery, or injuries. Unlike traditional crutches, Freedom Leg allows you to move freely without putting weight on your injured foot, enabling you to engage in various exercises safely, and Everyday Activities.
Functionality with a Foot Injury
With Freedom Leg, you can maintain an exercise routine that includes a range of motion exercises and light strength training. Its design ensures that your injured foot is protected while allowing you to stay as active as possible.
Hands-Free Use is Great for Exercise
The hands-free design of Freedom Leg is particularly beneficial during exercise. It allows you to use your arms for balance and to perform exercises, which is not possible with traditional crutches. This feature is crucial for maintaining stability and safety while exercising.
Joel Smith and his team at Forward Mobility Inc. designed the Freedom Leg specifically to address the limitations of traditional crutches — and nowhere is that more evident than during rehabilitation exercise, where having both hands free changes everything.
With these exercises and the use of Freedom Leg, maintaining your fitness while recovering from a foot injury is not only possible but can also be a productive and safe process. Engage in these recommended activities to keep your strength and spirits high during recovery.
Stay active and recover faster with Freedom Leg! Explore how our hands-free crutches can transform your recovery and keep you moving.
Frequently Asked Questions
What low-impact exercises can I do with a foot injury?
With a foot injury, you can safely perform stationary cycling, swimming, upper body strength training with resistance bands or free weights, seated yoga and stretching, and lying-down leg lifts. Using the Freedom Leg (hands-free crutch) keeps your injured foot elevated and protected while your hands remain free to support balance and perform movements.
When is it safe to start exercising after foot surgery?
You should always consult your surgeon or physical therapist before beginning any exercise program after foot surgery. Most patients can begin gentle stretching and upper body work within the first few weeks, with more substantial activity introduced gradually as healing progresses. The Freedom Leg allows many patients to stay active sooner because it offloads weight from the foot entirely.
Can I use the Freedom Leg during workouts?
Yes. The Freedom Leg is designed to transfer body weight to the thigh rather than the foot, making it compatible with a wide range of exercises including seated strength training, stationary cycling adaptations, and standing upper body movements. Its hands-free design means you can hold weights, resistance bands, or exercise equipment without the restriction of traditional crutches.
How does the Freedom Leg differ from traditional crutches during exercise?
Traditional crutches occupy both hands, making most exercises impossible and creating armpit and wrist strain. The Freedom Leg straps to the lower leg and supports the knee, freeing both arms entirely. This allows patients to perform bicep curls, shoulder presses, resistance band exercises, and yoga poses that would be completely impractical on standard crutches.
Is the Freedom Leg covered by insurance for foot injury recovery?
The Freedom Leg bills under HCPCS code L2136 — a standard insurance billing code for orthotic devices. Many patients find their device is covered in part or in full through private insurance, Medicare, or other plans. Check with your insurance provider and ask your prescribing physician to reference the L2136 code when submitting documentation.
What upper body exercises are best after foot surgery?
Seated bicep curls, seated shoulder flys, shoulder presses, tricep extensions, and resistance band rows are all effective upper body exercises after foot surgery. A simple workout structure is 3 sets of 10–12 repetitions per exercise. Begin with a stretching warm-up, and refer to this guide on Sets and Reps if you are new to strength training.
Can yoga help with recovery from a foot injury?
Yes. Seated and floor-based yoga poses help maintain joint mobility, reduce stiffness, and support mental well-being during a period of reduced activity. Use yoga blocks or straps as props to modify poses so no weight is placed on the injured foot. Consistent stretching also supports circulation, which is important for tissue healing.
Check out our other guides on staying active with the Freedom Leg!
How to Keep Active with a Broken Ankle or While Non-Weight Bearing
