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 facing long-term mobility challenges, the Freedom Leg eliminates upper-body strain and hand restriction while enabling a near-normal gait pattern and complete hands-free independence.
Long-Term Crutch Use
For many, acute injuries or surgeries will require anywhere from 1–12 weeks of weightbearing restrictions warranting crutch use. Your medical staff stabilizes the affected body part, you follow directed guidelines for a few weeks and you're back on your feet before you know it. But for others, severe injuries, amputations or chronic disabilities call for long-term offloading requiring continuous assistive device use. So what is the best option for long-term lower extremity offloading? Let's break it down.
Can you Use Crutches Permanently?
Many ask this question when exploring long-term mobility devices. The technical answer is yes but the ideal answer is no. While traditional crutches remain one of the most prescribed mobility aids, they are not designed to be used in a permanent situation. Although protecting the affected limb via full non-weightbearing, crutches leave your hands tied up and your shoulders and wrists at risk of overuse injuries. Instead, try a crutch alternative such as the Freedom Leg that removes the risk of upper body overuse injuries and gives you hands-free freedom to regain your mobility and complete day-to-day tasks with ease.
Characteristics to Look for in a Long-Term Mobility Aid
When searching for the optimal long-term assistive device, several qualities stand out that users most frequently desire:
- Durability
- Stability
- Comfortability
- Easily maneuverable
- Simple application
- Promotes functional independence
- Minimal learning curve
- Money back guarantee
- Widespread use
- Enhances quality of life
Designed by Joel Smith and produced by Forward Mobility Inc., the Freedom Leg (hands-free crutch) checks every one of these boxes and gives you your freedom back after injury.
How the Freedom Leg Works
Using a multi-strap suspension system and high-quality aluminum side rails, the Freedom Leg works by transferring force from an integrated foot plate, past the affected region and to the posterior thigh. Maintaining a slight knee bend, the product promotes optimal body mechanics by keeping the hips and pelvis neutral and minimizing active compensation. With the leg in a mere "floating" position, the user can safely advance their limb, continue a normal gait pattern and leave the hands free to complete day-to-day tasks. From cooking to cleaning, parenting to shopping, the Freedom Leg allows users to do things once deemed impossible with alternative assistive devices.
Benefits of the Freedom Leg
When comparing the Freedom Leg to other standard-market offerings, it's a no-brainer why this device tops the charts in terms of functionality and ease of use. With wide adaptability, it was crafted to accommodate various sizes and shapes. Its design makes it appropriate for foot, ankle, lower leg and knee injuries and the footplate can be adapted to fit a variety of shoes, walking boots and casts. Keeping ultimate comfort at the forefront, this crutch alternative will help you forget you are recovering at all and leave you free to do the things you love and need to do. No matter what your lower limb injury, the Freedom Leg stands ready to serve in the time when you need it most.
Contrary to standard walkers, the iWALK or crutches, the Freedom Leg also does the unthinkable — it gives users functional use of their upper extremities. By relying on advanced medical engineering, the product offloads the limb with an entirely different approach. Where other devices hold you back, the Freedom Leg helps you to catapult back into day-to-day living and carry on with your life while your injury heals.
Prolonged Protection with the Freedom Leg
Appropriate for most all lower extremity injuries, the Freedom Leg shines in its ability to support patients in long-term use situations. Recovery becomes focused on ability versus disability and patients are empowered by regaining their functional independence. Long-term injuries are about finding solutions and easing the burden that comes with injury-related changes. Don't let your assistive device hold you back further than your injury already has.
Whether you recently underwent a lower extremity amputation, suffered a severe ankle injury or are battling with debilitating neurological pain, the Freedom Leg may be the answer for you. Forget relying on others to carry your dishes, deliver your coffee or complete your grocery shopping. Take control of your life and regain your freedom with the best crutch alternative for long-term use.
What You Can Do With Your Newfound Freedom
While many immediately assume an injury will leave you helpless on the couch for weeks if not months to come, the opposite holds true with the Freedom Leg. Imagine what you can do when your hands aren't tied down in crutches or a walker:
- Carry a cup of coffee or bowl of soup
- Lift your child or grandchild
- Resume recreational exercise
- Navigate a grocery cart
- Negotiate stairs without fear of falling
- Push your baby stroller
- Return to work
The list may seem basic, but these simple tasks give us self-worth and freedom and are essential to daily functioning.
Ready to Take the Plunge?
Are you tired of searching for the best crutches for long-term use? It's time to redirect your exploration and uncover the best in crutch alternatives. Promising top-level comfort, high-quality durable materials and function at its core, the Freedom Leg optimizes movement for users of all types. Whether you've suffered a grade 1 ankle sprain or are anticipating a lifelong disability, the Freedom Leg will help you regain your freedom, function and quality of life. Finding the best crutches for non-weight-bearing injuries is important and we have the solution for you: The Freedom Leg.
If you are interested in learning more, check out FreedomLeg.com for additional product information, testimonials and a collection of expert-curated blog.
Ready to get your freedom back with the best long term use crutch?
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best crutches for long-term use?
For long-term use, traditional underarm crutches are generally not recommended because they place sustained stress on the wrists, shoulders, and armpits, increasing the risk of overuse injuries over time. The Freedom Leg (hands-free crutch), developed by Joel Smith of Forward Mobility Inc., is an FDA-registered alternative designed specifically for extended non-weight-bearing situations. It transfers body weight to the thigh, keeps both hands free, and supports a near-normal gait pattern — making it one of the most functional options for long-term lower extremity offloading.
Can you use crutches permanently or for many years?
Technically yes, but traditional crutches are not engineered for permanent use. Prolonged crutch use commonly leads to carpal tunnel syndrome, shoulder impingement, and axillary nerve damage. Hands-free alternatives like the Freedom Leg are better suited for chronic conditions, permanent disabilities, or extended recovery periods because they eliminate upper-body load and promote natural movement mechanics.
What injuries or conditions is the Freedom Leg appropriate for?
The Freedom Leg is designed for most lower extremity conditions requiring non-weight-bearing, including foot fractures, ankle injuries, lower leg fractures, knee injuries, lower extremity amputations, and chronic neurological conditions affecting the lower limb. The adjustable footplate accommodates standard shoes, walking boots, and casts, giving it broad clinical applicability.
How does the Freedom Leg differ from the iWALK or a knee scooter?
Unlike the iWALK, which requires a functioning knee and significant balance, the Freedom Leg supports users with knee, lower leg, ankle, and foot injuries alike. Unlike a knee scooter, the Freedom Leg is fully ambulatory — users walk naturally rather than rolling — making it suitable for uneven terrain, stairs, and confined spaces. The Freedom Leg was engineered by Joel Smith at Forward Mobility Inc. to serve the broadest possible patient population. You can read a detailed comparison at Freedom Leg vs. iWALK.
Is the Freedom Leg covered by insurance, and what billing code is used?
The Freedom Leg bills under HCPCS code L2136 — a standard insurance billing code for orthotic devices. Coverage varies by plan and diagnosis, so patients are encouraged to contact their insurer to confirm benefits. The Freedom Leg is an FDA-registered device, which supports medical necessity documentation for insurance claims.
What should I look for in any long-term mobility aid?
Key qualities to evaluate include durability of materials, stability during ambulation, overall comfort during extended wear, ease of application, minimal learning curve, and whether the device promotes functional independence. A money-back guarantee is also worth looking for, as it signals manufacturer confidence. The Freedom Leg, produced by Forward Mobility Inc., was designed with each of these criteria in mind to serve patients across a wide range of long-term mobility needs.
Will using the Freedom Leg long-term affect my gait or cause muscle atrophy?
The Freedom Leg is designed to maintain a near-normal gait pattern by keeping the hips and pelvis neutral and encouraging natural limb advancement. This is a significant advantage over traditional crutches, which can create compensatory movement patterns over time. While any non-weight-bearing period carries some risk of muscle deconditioning, the Freedom Leg minimizes gait deviation and supports more active daily living compared to conventional assistive devices. Always consult your physical therapist or physician regarding your specific rehabilitation plan.
