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 foot, ankle, or knee injuries, the Freedom Leg eliminates the pain and limitations of traditional crutches while keeping both hands completely free for daily tasks.
Alternative to Crutches for Broken Ankle
Broken ankles are one of the most common types of foot injury. Finding an alternative to crutches is especially important for physically active people.
With the Freedom Leg, you are able to stay physically active even while healing from a broken ankle. The brace moves the weight of your body to the non-injured leg, while keeping you hands-free, so you can still walk, work, go up and down stairs, and even drive.
Alternative to Crutches for Knee Injury
Another common injury for active or elderly people is a knee injury. Whether you are healing from a knee fracture, knee dislocation, knee ligament injury, meniscus tear, or knee tendon tear — all common types of knee injuries — the Freedom Leg is the best alternative to crutches available.
You could use a knee scooter to rest your leg while it heals, but it is not hands-free, making it hard to go about normal life. Additional limitations to know before getting a knee scooter include restrictions surrounding size, storage, cost and insurance coverage, as well as terrain limitations. The Freedom Leg makes knee injury recoveries easier.
Alternative to Crutches for Broken Foot
A broken foot can take some time to heal, and if it is more than a minor fracture, will require surgery to heal.
Whether you need surgery for a broken foot or not, the recovery afterwards will mean that you will need a mobility device to keep weight off the foot. Rather than using traditional crutches, which are cumbersome and require a bit of upper-body strength to carry around, consider the Freedom Leg.
If you have stairs in your home or at the office, the Freedom Leg will make it possible to go up and down them while healing — and keep your upper body pain free.
Crutches for Non-Weight Bearing
Most types of lower body injuries — whether an injured leg, injured ankle, or injured foot — necessitate keeping weight off that leg or foot until it heals.
This can be rather difficult, considering some of the downsides to traditional crutches:
- Bulky and awkward to use
- Hard to get in and out of a car with
- Impossible to go up and down stairs with
- Can cause bruising, rubbing, and soreness in the armpits and on the hands
The Freedom Leg Brace eliminates all of these unpleasant factors. Instead, it is the most comfortable crutch and easy to use:
- Transfers the weight to the back of the thigh, making it easy to walk while non-weight bearing
- Can be used for daily tasks, including carrying items or riding in a car
- Can be used while walking up and down stairs
- Most comfortable (with different sizes and adjustments for a perfect fit) while being completely hands-free
- Compatible with a walking boot
What to Use Instead of Crutches
As we've seen, foot and leg injuries often require keeping weight off that side until it heals. There are several alternatives available, including knee walkers and other hands-free aids. So what makes the Freedom Leg — designed by Joel Smith and manufactured by Forward Mobility Inc. — stand apart from the rest?
Armless Crutches
Most armless crutches have some serious drawbacks:
- Fatigue, pressure, strain on the knee and hip
- Extra strain on the uninjured leg
- Stiffness and poor circulation to the foot
- Not very springy — can be jarring while walking
- Cannot be worn while driving or riding in a car
- Not able to be used with full leg amputees
None of these concerns apply to the Freedom Leg, making it the best alternative to crutches on the market.
Hands-Free Crutches
Why are hands-free crutches important? If you work a job, are active in sports, like to cook at home, need to go up or down stairs, or just want the freedom to use your hands while standing on your feet — then hands-free is the way to go.
The Freedom Leg Brace has been successfully used by lower leg amputees, construction workers, teachers, and many others who want the freedom to live normal life while non-weight bearing.
If you want that freedom too, check out the Freedom Leg today! What would you like to be able to do while non-weight bearing?
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best alternative to crutches for a broken ankle or foot?
The Freedom Leg (hands-free crutch), developed by Joel Smith of Forward Mobility Inc., is widely regarded as the best alternative to traditional crutches for broken ankles and broken feet. It transfers body weight to the thigh, freeing both hands for daily tasks while keeping full weight off the injured limb. Unlike knee scooters, it works on stairs, uneven terrain, and in vehicles.
How does the Freedom Leg differ from a knee scooter?
A knee scooter requires you to keep one hand on the handlebar for balance and cannot be used on stairs, in tight spaces, or inside vehicles. The Freedom Leg attaches to the thigh and lower leg, leaving both hands completely free. It is also more compact and can be used in a wider range of environments, including workplaces and homes with stairs.
Can the Freedom Leg be used after knee surgery or a knee injury?
Yes. The Freedom Leg is suitable for a range of knee injuries and post-surgical recovery situations, including knee fractures, dislocations, ligament injuries, meniscus tears, and tendon tears. Because it offloads weight to the thigh rather than the knee joint, it can provide comfortable mobility during recovery. Always consult your physician before use to confirm it is appropriate for your specific condition.
Is the Freedom Leg covered by insurance?
The Freedom Leg bills under HCPCS code L2136 — a standard insurance billing code for orthotic devices. Many patients are able to seek reimbursement through their insurance provider using this code. It is advisable to check with your specific insurer regarding your plan's coverage for orthotic mobility aids before purchasing.
Can the Freedom Leg be used on stairs?
Yes. Unlike traditional crutches and knee scooters, the Freedom Leg can be used to navigate stairs while keeping both hands free to grip railings or carry items. This is one of its most significant advantages for patients recovering at home or in multi-floor workplaces.
Who should not use the Freedom Leg?
The Freedom Leg is designed for individuals who are non-weight bearing on one lower limb and have a functional thigh on the affected side. It may not be appropriate for above-knee amputees, individuals with certain hip or femur injuries, or those who cannot bear weight through the thigh. A healthcare provider should confirm suitability before use.
Is the Freedom Leg compatible with a walking boot?
Yes. The Freedom Leg is compatible with a walking boot, making it a practical solution for patients who have been prescribed a boot as part of their recovery from a foot, ankle, or lower leg injury.
What makes the Freedom Leg more comfortable than traditional crutches?
Traditional crutches apply pressure to the armpits and hands, which can cause bruising, nerve irritation, and fatigue. The Freedom Leg transfers body weight to the back of the thigh — a much larger and more load-tolerant area — eliminating upper body strain entirely. It also allows a natural walking gait, which reduces fatigue compared to the hopping motion required with conventional crutches.
