Blogs

Best Crutches for Ankle Surgery (and Why You May Not Need Them)
Best Crutches for Ankle Surgery (and Why You May Not Need Them)
If you're recovering from ankle surgery, your doctor has probably told you to stay completely off your foot. That means... Read more...
Ankle surgery recovery — booted foot elevated on couch, Freedom Leg branded cover
Ankle Surgery Recovery: What Your Discharge Paperwork Didn't Explain
Ankle surgery recovery guide: week-by-week NWB timeline, mobility device comparison, and the biomechanics behind a hands-free alternative to crutches. Read more...
Two Freedom Leg users in action — hands free in the kitchen and walking outdoors with a child
Top 7 Hands-Free Crutch Alternatives in 2026 (Ranked by a Mobility Device Engineer)
The 7 best crutch alternatives in 2026 ranked by a mobility device engineer — including hands-free options, knee scooters, and... Read more...
Person with Freedom Leg brace outdoors during Achilles tendon recovery
Achilles Tendon Recovery Guide: Week-by-Week Timeline and Mobility Options
Achilles tendon recovery guide: week-by-week NWB timeline, mobility device comparison, and a fitting tip specific to Achilles patients. Updated April... Read more...
Is a Knee Scooter Bad for Your Knee? An Engineer's Explanation
A knee scooter loads your full body weight directly onto the knee joint — the one joint that was never designed to bear sustained compression. Here's the biomechanics, from the engineer who invented the device. Read more...
Why I Invented the Knee Scooter and Why I Stopped Using It
Why I Invented the Knee Scooter and Why I Stopped Using It
Joel Smith invented the original steerable knee scooter in 2006—and stopped recommending it in 2012. Here's why he spent 10... Read more...
Freedom Leg hands-free crutch (left) versus iWALK hands-free crutch (right) — two non-weight-bearing recovery devices showing different weight transfer approaches: thigh vs. knee
Freedom Leg vs. iWALK: Which Hands-Free Crutch Alternative Is Right for You?
The Freedom Leg transfers weight to the thigh; the iWALK loads onto the bent knee. For most patients with casts,... Read more...
Side effects of using crutches: Go Pain free with Freedom Leg
Side effects of using crutches: Go Pain free with Freedom Leg
Traditional crutches cause hand, wrist, and shoulder pain. The Freedom Leg transfers weight to the thigh instead — eliminating the... Read more...
Best Hands Free Crutch for Below the Knee Injuries
Best Hands Free Crutch for Below the Knee Injuries
The Freedom Leg is the best hands-free crutch for below-the-knee injuries — it transfers weight to the thigh, leaving both... Read more...
Walking after 6 weeks non weight bearing
Walking after 6 weeks non weight bearing
Walking after 6 weeks non-weight-bearing feels daunting — your leg is weak and stiff. This guide covers what to expect... Read more...
Why you should be using a hands free crutch
Why you should be using a hands free crutch
A hands-free crutch restores your independence during recovery. The Freedom Leg transfers weight to the upper thigh — letting you... Read more...
Collage with Freedom Leg branding of woman using crutches outside and inside of an airplane
Crutches on an Airplane? Our Guide to Flying While Injured
Flying with crutches or a non-weight-bearing injury is manageable with the right preparation. This guide covers airport security, boarding, and... Read more...
Tibia Fracture Treatment and Recovery Guide
Tibia Fracture Treatment and Recovery Guide
A tibia fracture requires non-weight-bearing recovery. The Freedom Leg transfers weight to the thigh during healing — so both hands... Read more...
What are the Best Knee Scooters?
What are the Best Knee Scooters?
Knee scooters are a popular mobility aid for foot and ankle recovery — but they fail on stairs, require both... Read more...
Person stretching their leg outdoors with Freedom Leg branding
A Guide to Achilles Tendon Repair and Recovery
Achilles tendon repair requires weeks of non-weight-bearing recovery. The Freedom Leg transfers weight to the thigh during this phase —... Read more...
How to Safely Work Out with Crutches
How to Safely Work Out with Crutches
Working out on crutches is possible but limits your options significantly. The Freedom Leg hands-free brace opens up far more... Read more...
Image of woman with leg in cast next to image of a fibula fracture x-ray
Fibula Fracture: The Road to Recovery
Fibula fracture recovery takes 6–16 weeks of non-weight-bearing. The Freedom Leg hands-free brace transfers load to the thigh — stair-compatible... Read more...
Woman sleeping after knee surgery
How to Sleep After Knee Surgery
Sleeping comfortably after knee surgery requires the right position, pain management, and mobility setup. Here's what works for most patients... Read more...
Everything You Should Know Before You Get a Knee Scooter
Everything You Should Know Before You Get a Knee Scooter
Knee scooters fail on stairs, require both hands to steer, and can't fit in tight spaces. Before choosing one, know... Read more...
Collage of Jones fracture and man wearing Freedom Leg
Jones Fracture and Recovery
A Jones fracture typically requires 6–8 weeks of non-weight-bearing recovery. The Freedom Leg transfers weight to the thigh during healing... Read more...
Freedom Leg vs. smartCRUTCH
The Freedom Leg and smartCRUTCH both improve on traditional crutches — but differ in weight transfer and daily usability. The Freedom Leg loads to the upper thigh; the smartCRUTCH loads onto the forearm. Here's how they compare. Read more...
Woman wearing Freedom Leg
Post Ankle Surgery Exercises
Post ankle surgery exercises are essential for restoring strength and mobility. This guide covers the key movements for each phase... Read more...
Navigating Life Post Surgery: Tips for Foot Surgery Recovery
Navigating Life Post Surgery: Tips for Foot Surgery Recovery
Foot surgery recovery is more manageable with the right preparation. This guide covers home setup, pain management, the RICE method,... Read more...
Low Impact Exercises After Foot Injury - Freedom Leg
Low Impact Exercises After Foot Injury - Freedom Leg
Low-impact exercises after a foot injury prevent deconditioning during recovery. This guide covers safe cardio, strength, and flexibility options for... Read more...
Forearm Crutches vs Freedom Leg Hands Free Crutch-Which is the Best?
Forearm Crutches vs Freedom Leg Hands Free Crutch-Which is the Best?
Forearm crutches still require both arms for balance and limit what you can carry. The Freedom Leg transfers weight to... Read more...
Woman taking a shower
Best Way to Shower with Non Weight Bearing Leg
Showering non-weight-bearing is safest with a hands-free brace. The Freedom Leg transfers weight to the thigh — keeping both hands... Read more...
Person walking with leg crutch brace
Walking After Non-Weight Bearing: A Guide to Recovery
Returning to walking after non-weight-bearing recovery requires a gradual approach. This guide covers the transition timeline, strength rebuilding exercises, and... Read more...
How to Survive Non-Weight Bearing
How to Survive Non-Weight Bearing
Non-weight-bearing recovery is challenging. The Freedom Leg makes it manageable — transferring weight to the thigh so both hands stay... Read more...
woman using non-weight wearing boot and freedom leg
Non-Weight Bearing Boot: Unlocking Mobility and Comfort
A non-weight-bearing boot protects healing tissue but limits mobility. The Freedom Leg transfers weight to the thigh — hands-free, stair-compatible,... Read more...
The Freedom Leg Hands-free Crutches
The Freedom Leg Hands-free Crutches
The Freedom Leg is a hands-free crutch alternative for surgery recovery, fractures, and lower-leg injuries — it transfers weight to... Read more...
Best Crutches
Best Crutches
The best crutches for non-weight-bearing recovery keep both hands free and work on stairs. The Freedom Leg transfers weight to... Read more...
Leg Braces to Help You Walk
Leg Braces to Help You Walk
Leg braces stabilize joints, offload injured tissue, and restore mobility during recovery. The Freedom Leg is a hands-free leg brace... Read more...
Handless Crutches Aid Healing Process
Handless Crutches Aid Healing Process
Handless crutches improve recovery by restoring independence — both hands free for work, carrying, and daily tasks. The Freedom Leg... Read more...
Finding the Perfect Fit Knee Brace for Walking
Finding the Perfect Fit Knee Brace for Walking
Choosing the right knee brace for walking depends on your condition, injury type, and activity level. This guide covers the... Read more...
How to Walk with Crutches Non Weight Bearing
How to Walk with Crutches Non Weight Bearing
Cruise up the stairs in a breeze and complete daily tasks without the hassle of juggling crutches or a walker.... Read more...
Must Haves After Ankle Surgery
Must Haves After Ankle Surgery
With the number of ankle and foot surgeries steadily increasing in the United States, attention has turned to optimizing recovery... Read more...
How to Make Crutches More Comfortable
How to Make Crutches More Comfortable
Traditional crutches cause armpit pain, wrist strain, and shoulder fatigue — and padding only helps so much. The Freedom Leg... Read more...
The Best Crutches for Long Term Use
The Best Crutches for Long Term Use
The best crutches for long-term use keep both hands free and don't cause shoulder, wrist, or armpit pain over time.... Read more...
Best Non Weight Bearing Device
Best Non Weight Bearing Device
he Freedom Leg is the best non-weight-bearing device for most patients — Hands free Mobility covered under insurance code L2136,... Read more...
Best Leg Brace for Walking
Best Leg Brace for Walking
The best leg brace for walking during recovery transfers weight away from the injury site and keeps both hands free.... Read more...
How to Use Crutches While Non-Weight Bearing
How to Use Crutches While Non-Weight Bearing
Using crutches while non-weight-bearing is physically exhausting and ties up both hands. This guide covers proper technique — and why... Read more...
How to Get Around After Foot or Ankle Surgery
How to Get Around After Foot or Ankle Surgery
Getting around after foot or ankle surgery requires the right mobility device. The Freedom Leg transfers weight to the thigh... Read more...
How to Carry Things with Crutches
How to Carry Things with Crutches
Traditional crutches make carrying anything nearly impossible — both hands are tied to the handles. The Freedom Leg solves this... Read more...
Best Hands Free Knee Crutch
Best Hands Free Knee Crutch
The best hands-free knee crutch transfers weight away from the knee and armpits. The Freedom Leg is the leading option... Read more...
The Most Comfortable Crutch
The Most Comfortable Crutch
The most comfortable crutches eliminate armpit pain, wrist strain, and shoulder fatigue. The Freedom Leg is the most comfortable option... Read more...
Best Crutches for Non-Weight Bearing
Best Crutches for Non-Weight Bearing
Last updated: April 2026 Choosing the best crutch for a non-weight bearing injury comes down to one question: can you... Read more...
Best Crutches for Knee Surgery
Best Crutches for Knee Surgery
The best crutches for knee surgery keep weight off the joint and both hands free. The Freedom Leg transfers load... Read more...
The Best Crutches for Mobility
The Best Crutches for Mobility
The best crutches for mobility during injury recovery keep both hands free and work on stairs. The Freedom Leg transfers... Read more...
What to Expect After Ankle and Foot Surgery
What to Expect After Ankle and Foot Surgery
Ankle and foot surgery recovery takes six months to a year. This guide covers what to expect week by week... Read more...
The Best Alternative to Knee Scooters
The Best Alternative to Knee Scooters
The best alternative to knee scooters for foot and ankle recovery keeps both hands free and works on stairs. The... Read more...