I had foot surgery two weeks ago that required me to stay off my foot for at least two months. I’m not one to stay at home or be inactive after surgery. I’m also fiercely independent - I don’t have or want a caretaker.
My friend warned me that standard crutches were difficult to use, but I didn’t believe him. He was right! They hurt my armpits, wrists, hands, and shoulder, and I couldn’t do any household chores with them. Even extra padding on the crutches (armpits and hands) wasn’t overly helpful. They still hurt.
I found Freedom Leg 3.0 online, and it was covered by my FSA. Freedom Leg allowed me to do so much more than standard crutches. At home, I could cook, clean, do the laundry, make my bed, water the plants, wash the dishes, carry things, and much more, none of which I was able to do with crutches. Outside the house, I could go to work, eat at restaurants, shop at the grocery store and farmers market, ride crowded trains and buses (sometimes standing room only), attend house parties and garden parties, go to bars, walk though street fairs, and work out at the gym, all with confidence. (I told you I was active!) If I had knee crutches instead and my foot was sticking out behind me, I wouldn’t feel comfortable doing many of those activities. I would probably avoid all crowds. With Freedom Leg, I could easily navigate crowded spaces, which is critical in busy San Francisco.
I remove Freedom Leg in some circumstances, like at work, in restaurants, and at the gym on some machines. It’s quick and easy to put back on.
Going up and down steps with Freedom Leg is much easier than with crutches. I abide by the same rule - up with the good; down with the bad.
Problems with Freedom Leg have been minimal. My first cast was open at the shin, and that wasn’t too comfortable, so my second cast was intentional built to cover my shin. Also, I didn’t like the base pins or the optional base bolts provided. Both stuck out too far on the inside and rubbed up against my cast. I covered the base bolts with duct tape, but that wasn’t a good permanent fix. Also, one of the base bolts came undone. So I went to a hardware store and got bolts with flatter heads and sturdier screws for just a few dollars. That was an easy fix. I did fall once with the Freedom Leg, but that was because I inadvertently stepped into a pothole. I do have to remind myself constantly to fully lift my Freedom Leg with each step so it doesn’t get stuck. I usually bring a cane if I’m venturing out of the house. Lastly, going down the steep hills of San Francisco is challenging. Going up the hills is much easier.
In summary, I’m extremely happy with Freedom Leg 3.0, and I would definitely buy it again if given the choice. Two full months with my foot in a cast would have miserable without Freedom Leg.
