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 lower leg injuries, the Freedom Leg eliminates upper-body strain while keeping both hands completely free for everyday tasks.

If you are dealing with leg injuries, one of the hardest parts is not the pain. It is how quickly your normal routine gets disrupted. Getting to the bathroom, making meals, helping with kids, going back to work, walking the dog, or just moving around the house can feel exhausting when you are trying to stay non weight bearing.

A hands-free crutch is built for this exact situation. It helps you protect your injured foot or ankle while giving you free mobility so you can get back to real life. Instead of relying on your arms like you do with traditional crutches, a hands-free option lets you move with more balance and independence.

Common everyday moments where hands-free really matters:

• Carrying coffee, food, laundry, or packages
• Opening doors and using handrails
• Cooking and doing light chores
• Keeping up with kids, pets, or work tasks
• Moving around the house without needing help every time

The Best Hands-Free Crutch

Not every crutch alternative fits real life. Some options look good on paper but feel awkward once you try to live normally again. The "best" hands-free crutch is the one that supports your recovery, relearning how to walk while also making your day easier.

What to look for in a hands-free crutch:

• Hands-free stability so you can move without leaning on your arms all day
• Comfortable support that protects your injury and reduces strain
• Easy sit-to-stand because you will sit often (couch, desk, car, restroom)
• Better movement in tight spaces like kitchens, hallways, and doorways
• A practical fit for daily life so you can actually use it at home, at work, and on the go

People often compare options like the iWalk crutch (iWalk vs Freedom Leg), knee scooters, forearm crutches, or standard underarm crutches. Each can help in certain situations, but many people want the simplest way to stay mobile without turning every step into a workout.

The Freedom Leg Brace

The Freedom Leg, developed by Joel Smith at Forward Mobility Inc., is designed for people who need a true hands-free solution while recovering from foot, ankle, or lower leg injuries. It keeps weight off the injured area by transferring support to the upper leg (thigh), so you can stay moving while following your non-weight-bearing or limited weight-bearing instructions.

Freedom Leg is a doctor-recommended, award-winning hands-free crutch alternative built for real-world movement, including day-to-day environments where balance and control matter. If you are recovering from a Fibula fracture, Tibia fracture, or a Jones fracture, the Freedom Leg is a great tool to get your freedom back.

What that means in everyday life:

• You can move around the house without feeling stuck on the couch.
• You can keep your hands available for normal tasks.
• You can stay more independent during recovery.

Using a Hands-Free Crutch

Recovery is not just about "resting." It is about finding safe ways to live your life while your body heals. If you have been told to stay non-weight-bearing, your mobility device becomes a big part of your day.

A hands-free crutch helps you move with less upper-body strain and more control. Many people switch because they want to feel capable again, not limited by a device that takes both hands and drains their energy.

More Mobility, More Freedom

The biggest benefit of a hands-free crutch is simple: you can move and do things at the same time. Read our full non-weight-bearing recovery guide.

Real-life examples of free mobility:

• Carrying a plate from the kitchen to the table
• Taking trash out or grabbing mail
• Carrying a laptop, backpack, or work materials
• Walking into a store without needing help
• Moving through your home without bumping walls or furniture

This is the difference between "getting by" and actually feeling like yourself again during recovery.

Easy to Sit and Stand

Daily life involves constant transitions: sitting on the couch, standing up to grab something, getting into a car, sitting at a desk, and standing up again. With many mobility aids, sit-to-stand movement is one of the most frustrating parts. A hands-free device can make these transitions feel more natural because you are not trying to manage two crutches and your balance at the same time.

Using a Regular Crutch

Standard crutches are common because they are easy to get quickly. But for many people, they are not a great long-term solution, especially if you are going to be recovering for weeks.

Can't Sit Down Easily

Regular crutches make simple things harder. Sitting down often means figuring out where to put the crutches, how to lower yourself safely, and how to keep your injured leg protected. That is annoying at home and even harder in public.

Bulky and in the Way

Crutches can be awkward in tight spaces like kitchens, bathrooms, hallways, stores and sidewalks, and offices and work sites. They also tend to slip, bump into furniture, and get caught on corners. If you are already dealing with pain and fatigue, that extra hassle adds up fast.

Makes You Use Your Hands

This is the biggest limitation of traditional crutches. They take your hands away from normal life. If your hands are always holding crutches, you cannot carry things, open doors easily, use stairs confidently with a rail, or pick something up without stopping and balancing.

Over time, many people also deal with sore wrists, tight shoulders, and overall frustration. A good crutch alternative is often less about being "faster" and more about being able to live normally again.

Freedom Leg: Helping You Stay Active

If you have a foot, ankle, or lower leg injury and you are trying to stay active while protecting your recovery, a hands-free crutch can be a game changer. The Freedom Leg, created by Joel Smith at Forward Mobility Inc., is built to support real life, not just short trips across a room. It is a hands-free mobility solution designed to help you stay independent and keep moving while you heal.

If you are comparing the iWalk crutch, traditional crutches, or other options, focus on what matters most: stability, comfort, and whether you can actually live your life with it.

Freedom Leg helps you move forward with more freedom, more control, and more confidence during recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a hands-free crutch?

A hands-free crutch is a mobility device that allows users to remain non-weight-bearing on an injured foot or ankle without occupying their hands. Instead of gripping handles like traditional crutches, the device — such as the Freedom Leg (hands-free crutch) developed by Joel Smith of Forward Mobility Inc. — supports the body by transferring weight to the thigh, leaving both hands completely free for everyday tasks.

How does the Freedom Leg differ from traditional crutches?

Traditional underarm crutches require constant hand and arm engagement, restrict what you can carry, and can cause wrist and shoulder strain over time. The Freedom Leg transfers body weight to the upper leg (thigh) rather than the hands or armpits, allowing users to walk, carry items, open doors, and navigate tight spaces without the limitations of standard crutches.

Who is the Freedom Leg designed for?

The Freedom Leg is designed for individuals recovering from foot, ankle, or lower leg injuries who have been placed on non-weight-bearing or limited weight-bearing protocols. This includes patients recovering from conditions such as fibula fractures, tibia fractures, Jones fractures, ankle surgeries, and similar injuries.

Is the Freedom Leg covered by insurance?

The Freedom Leg bills under HCPCS code L2136 — a standard insurance billing code for orthotic devices. Coverage varies by plan and provider. Patients should check with their insurance carrier and prescribing physician to determine eligibility. Having a physician's prescription and a documented medical necessity can help support coverage claims.

How does the Freedom Leg compare to the iWalk crutch?

Both the Freedom Leg and the iWalk are hands-free crutch alternatives, but they differ in design, fit, and ease of use. The Freedom Leg is frequently noted for its ease of sitting and standing, its stability on uneven terrain, and its comfort during extended wear. For a detailed breakdown, see our Freedom Leg vs. iWalk comparison.

Can I use a hands-free crutch at work or in public?

Yes. One of the primary advantages of a hands-free crutch like the Freedom Leg is that it is designed for real-world environments, not just home use. Users can carry laptops, bags, and work materials; navigate offices, stores, and sidewalks; and manage daily tasks with far greater independence than traditional crutches allow. Always consult your physician before returning to work or high-activity environments during recovery.

Is the Freedom Leg FDA-registered?

Yes. The Freedom Leg is an FDA-registered device. It was developed by Joel Smith, President of Forward Mobility Inc., and is designed to meet clinical standards for orthotic mobility devices used in non-weight-bearing recovery.

What injuries is a hands-free crutch suitable for?

Hands-free crutches are suitable for most lower leg, ankle, and foot injuries that require keeping weight off the affected limb. Common indications include fractures (fibula, tibia, Jones, metatarsal), post-surgical recovery, severe sprains, and wounds or infections requiring offloading. Your physician or orthopedic specialist can confirm whether a hands-free crutch is appropriate for your specific diagnosis.