Last updated: April 2026
Traditional crutches cause side effects in most long-term users — sore hands, wrist fatigue, shoulder strain, back pain, and altered posture. The Freedom Leg (hands-free crutch), invented by Joel Smith at Forward Mobility, eliminates these problems by transferring body weight to the upper thigh instead of the arms, keeping both hands completely free during non-weight bearing recovery.
What Are the Side Effects of Using Crutches?
Standard underarm or forearm crutches shift your body weight into your upper body instead of your legs. Over time, that unnatural load can create new problems on top of your original injury. Walking after a non-weight bearing period is already a challenge — crutch side effects make it harder.
The most common side effects people notice include:
- Sore hands, wrists, and elbows from repetitive pressure and gripping.
- Tender underarms or pinched nerves from leaning on the tops of the crutches.
- Stiff neck, rounded shoulders, and low back pain from hunching forward.
- Extra fatigue, balance issues, and a higher risk of slips and falls when tired.
Crutches are helpful tools, but when you use them for weeks or months, these side effects can start to interfere with your recovery and everyday life.
Short-Term Discomforts Most Crutch Users Feel
Short-term side effects usually show up in the first few days or weeks. They are often shrugged off as "just part of the process," but they are signs your body is under stress.
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Hand and palm soreness
The constant pressure on the hand grips can leave your palms red, tender, or even blistered. Long days on crutches make simple tasks like typing, driving, or cooking uncomfortable. -
Wrist and forearm fatigue
Every step requires a push through your arms. That repetitive motion can make your wrists and forearms ache by the end of the day, especially if you're not used to upper-body work. -
Underarm tenderness
If crutches are even slightly too tall, or you lean into the tops, the soft tissue under your arms takes a beating. This can feel like deep bruising and make you avoid putting weight where you actually need support. -
General tiredness and frustration
Moving on crutches takes more energy than normal walking. Many users feel winded faster, move slower, and quickly get frustrated with how much effort simple errands take.
These short-term discomforts are often the first sign that it may be time to look at a different kind of support.
Common Long-Term Side Effects of Using Crutches
The longer you rely on crutches, the more likely those short-term annoyances turn into long-term side effects. These don't disappear the moment you put the crutches away.
Over time, crutch use can contribute to:
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Muscle imbalances
Your injured leg gets weaker while your upper body and "good" leg work overtime. This imbalance can change how you stand and walk even after you're cleared to bear weight again. -
Joint stress and wear
Extra load on your wrists, elbows, shoulders, and the healthy leg adds up. That can aggravate old injuries or create new joint problems that outlast your original foot, ankle, or lower-leg injury. -
Spinal misalignment
Hunching, leaning to one side, or twisting to protect your injured leg can gradually change your normal posture. When your spine is out of alignment, you're more prone to recurring back, neck, and hip pain. -
Reduced confidence and mobility
If every movement feels risky or painful, you naturally move less. That can slow your healing, reduce your overall fitness, and make it harder to return to sports, work, or family life with confidence.
For many people, these long-term issues are what finally push them to look for a better solution. Here's why so many patients switch to a hands-free crutch.
Posture Changes, Back Pain, and Shoulder Tension
Crutches change the way your entire body moves. To keep weight off the injured leg, many users lean forward, tilt to one side, or lock their shoulders up toward their ears without even realizing it. A great reason to continue upper-body exercise during recovery.
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Rounded shoulders and tight neck muscles
Hunching over crutches shortens the muscles along the front of your chest and strains the muscles across your upper back. This can cause tension headaches, neck stiffness, and a "rounded" upper-back posture. -
Low back pain
Leaning to one side to protect an injured leg puts uneven stress on your lower spine. Over time, this creates persistent low back aches and makes it harder to stand or sit comfortably for long periods. -
Altered gait even after recovery
When your body spends weeks or months moving in a protective pattern, that pattern can stick. Once the injury heals, you may still walk with a limp, lean, or tilt — increasing your risk of future injuries.
A support system that lets you stand upright, balance naturally, and walk with a more normal gait can help protect your back and shoulders while you heal.
Crutches vs. Hands-Free Crutch Alternatives
Traditional crutches are not your only option. Hands-free crutch alternatives are designed to move the load away from your hands and arms and back into your legs — where your body is built to carry it.
| Feature | Traditional Crutches | Hands-Free Crutch (Freedom Leg) |
| Weight bearing | Through hands, wrists, shoulders, underarms | Through thigh and leg, sparing upper body |
| Hand use | Hands always busy holding crutches | Hands free for daily tasks |
| Posture | Often hunched or leaning to one side | More upright, natural stance |
| Common side effects | Sore hands, wrists, shoulders, back strain | Less upper-body strain, fewer overuse injuries |
| Learning curve | Easy basics, awkward for long distances | Short adjustment period, then more natural gait |
| Stairs and tight spaces | Awkward and risky when tired | Designed to navigate stairs and small spaces |
| Long-term comfort | Declines as weeks go by | Built for extended, everyday use |
Hands-Free Design: No More Sore Hands and Wrists
A true hands-free crutch alternative completely changes how your body carries your weight.
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No more constant gripping
You're not squeezing hand grips or pressing down through your wrists with every step. That greatly reduces hand, wrist, and elbow pain. -
No underarm pressure
Because your weight is transferred through your thigh and leg, there's no need to lean into underarm supports. Less risk of nerve irritation, numbness, and deep bruising. -
More natural balance
Your body is free to swing your arms, hold a railing, carry a bag, or reach out to steady yourself. This helps maintain a more normal rhythm and reduces fall risk. -
Better energy use
When your arms aren't doing the work of your legs, walking feels more efficient. Many users move farther and stay active longer without feeling wiped out.
Is the Freedom Leg Right for Your Injury?
The Freedom Leg is a hands-free crutch alternative, invented by Joel Smith at Forward Mobility, that transfers weight to the back of your thigh and keeps pressure off your injured foot, ankle, or lower leg. It is FDA-registered and designed for people who need to be non-weight bearing but still want to stay mobile and independent.
Take our fitment quiz to find out if it's right for you.
Injuries and Conditions the Freedom Leg Supports
- Foot or ankle fracture
- Recovering from foot, ankle, or lower-leg surgery
- Severe sprain or ligament injury requiring strict off-loading
- Chronic foot or ankle conditions that flare with weight bearing
- Below-knee amputation or residual limb off-loading
Because it is compatible with many boots, casts, and dressings, you can often use the Freedom Leg throughout a large portion of your recovery. Always confirm with your healthcare provider before switching devices.
When the Freedom Leg May Not Be the Best Option
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Balance or coordination challenges
Significant balance problems or neurologic conditions affecting leg control may require different support. -
Hip or upper-thigh injuries
The Freedom Leg relies on the thigh to support weight — not appropriate if the hip or upper femur is involved. -
Inability to tolerate thigh pressure
Some skin conditions or open wounds on the thigh can make a thigh-support brace uncomfortable or unsafe. -
Very early post-operative stages
Your doctor may want complete rest for the first few days until swelling and pain are controlled.
How to Get the Freedom Leg: Costs, Fitting, and Insurance
- Choose your size — Sizes based on height and leg measurements. Follow the Fitting Guide.
- Order your brace — Order online, over the phone, or through a local medical equipment provider.
- Check insurance coverage — The Freedom Leg is covered under billing code L2136. Call your insurer to verify coverage.
- Fit and adjust at home — Adjust straps and rails so the brace hugs the thigh securely. Most users complete fitting with the included instructions.
- Practice walking safely — Start with short distances on flat surfaces. Use a counter or railing for extra confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions: Crutch Side Effects
Q: What are the most common side effects of using crutches?
A: The most common are hand and palm soreness, wrist and forearm fatigue, underarm tenderness, shoulder strain, low back pain, and general fatigue. Long-term use can also cause muscle imbalances and altered gait patterns.
Q: Can crutches cause permanent nerve damage?
A: Prolonged pressure on the axilla from improperly used crutches can compress the radial nerve, causing numbness or weakness in the arm ("crutch palsy"). Correct sizing and proper technique significantly reduce the risk.
Q: How do I prevent sore hands and wrists from crutches?
A: Use padded grip covers, take frequent breaks, adjust crutch height correctly, and avoid leaning on the underarm pads. A hands-free crutch like the Freedom Leg eliminates hand and wrist loading entirely.
Q: Can crutches cause back pain?
A: Yes. Hunching and leaning to protect the injured side puts uneven stress on the lower spine. Many long-term crutch users develop persistent low back pain that continues after the original injury heals.
Q: Is the Freedom Leg covered by insurance?
A: Yes. The Freedom Leg is covered under insurance billing code L2136. Contact your insurer to verify coverage under your specific plan.
Q: Can I use the Freedom Leg instead of crutches from day one?
A: In many cases, yes — once your surgeon clears you for the device. Some very early post-operative protocols require complete rest before any walking device is used. Always confirm timing with your healthcare provider.
Q: How long does crutch-related shoulder and wrist pain take to go away?
A: For most patients, mild soreness resolves within 1–2 weeks of stopping crutch use. Chronic strain from prolonged use may take longer and benefit from physical therapy.
Q: What is the best alternative to crutches for non-weight bearing?
A: The main alternatives are knee scooters (flat surfaces only), forearm crutches (less underarm pressure but still hand-dependent), and hands-free crutches like the Freedom Leg (transfers weight to the thigh, leaves both hands free, works on stairs).
