How to Use Crutches While Non-Weight Bearing

by Joel Smith

You just fell, met with your physician and determined that you have a fractured ankle that will require 12 weeks of non-weightbearing. Your ankle is killing you and now you have to figure out how to use crutches while non-weightbearing and continue to go about your daily life.  

Besides being laborious, it’s no surprise that crutches pose a serious risk to our safety. In 2010 alone there were almost 70,000 reported injuries from crutches, canes and walkers in the US. When healing from an injury the last thing you need is another injury that prolongs recovery.

So how do you use crutches while non-weightbearing? Unless you’re looking to tire your arms and risk developing axillary nerve damage, you don’t! Instead, turn to the state-of-the-art, patented design of the Freedom Leg, America’s #1 crutch alternative that provides you full offloading of your injured leg without requiring any upper body assist.  

Navigating Life While Non-weight Bearing

With technology advancing, injuries that once placed patients on prolonged bed rest are now being managed with early and frequent mobilization. Life doesn’t stop when an injury occurs so finding optimal ways to set up your environment and use the best non weight bearing device to your advantage can make managing a condition much easier.  

 using crutches while non-weight bearing

No longer is exercise or stair negotiation out of the picture post-injury. Your assistive device shouldn’t hinder you, it should help you. The Freedom Leg Brace does just that- making functional independence and general mobility easily achievable even after a serious injury. Carry your cup of coffee, push a grocery cart and exercise unaffected body parts without thinking twice about managing your assistive device.  

How to Prepare for Non-weight Bearing

If you have a scheduled procedure or have undergone an unexpected injury, setting up your environment is essential to reducing injury risk and optimizing movement potential. Start by de-cluttering your space and removing any electrical cords, large objects or throw rugs that could get in the way. Next, rearrange your living area to promote single-floor living. Try and keep frequently used objects within reach and food prep if available to make meals more manageable. Finally, grab your Freedom Leg and seamlessly adapt it to make movement a breeze.

How to Fit the Freedom Leg for Best Use

Fitting the Freedom Leg is easy and takes only a few quick steps to complete.  Ensuring proper fitting is key to supporting your weight and avoiding compensation elsewhere in the body. The device was designed to be fully adjustable for individuals ranging in height from 4’4” to 6’4” and of all shapes and sizes. With an adaptable base, the device can be worn by a variety of users ranging from amputees to those in casts or walking boots. To apply simply complete the following steps and get ready to get moving:

  1. Sit comfortably at the front edge of a couch or chair.
  2. Open the Freedom Leg Brace and pull to thigh level matching the knee hinge with your own knee joint.
  3. Adjust the base of the brace so the undersurface of the foot or boot is 3 inches from the floor.
  4. Adjust and tighten straps across the calf and thigh.
  5. Push to a standing position and ensure your knee is slightly bent and hips are aligned- if not aligned, adjust the strap on the back of the thigh to either loosen or tighten the thigh circumference to promote neutral hip alignment.

Once your brace is fit and your leg is offloaded, it’s go time!  Take advantage of your newfound functional freedom, move your injured leg with ease and get back to living.  

How to Care for Your Non-weight Bearing Limb

Your Freedom Leg is adjusted and you are on your road to recovery.  Remember a few simple things you can do to optimize your recovery and expedite the healing process:

  • Follow your physician’s protocol.
  • Be compliant with rehab exercises.
  • Elevate your leg when able.
  • Ice as needed.
  • Take pain medications as directed.
  • Be patient- recovery takes time.

    • Whether you’re recovering from knee surgery, struggling to use your current assistive device, or looking for the best alternatives on the market, we’ve got you. Stop asking yourself how to use crutches while non-weightbearing.  Instead, grab the Freedom Leg, the top hands-free crutch alternative that keeps you safe, efficient and free to do the things you love all while healing from an injury or surgery. Grab your Freedom Leg today. Ready to get yourself moving again?  

    Regain Your Freedom!

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    (888) 816-8127
    6776 Townsend Rd, Unit 199, Jacksonville FL 32244

    Dr. Stelmaschuk

    "Family Physician, had to have both of his feet repaired and found Freedom Leg very helpful, allowing him freedom to continue particing medicine and even running his snow blower"

    Brandon Wise

    "Broke his ankle and had to have surgery. The surgeons put screws in his ankle and told him not to put weight on it for 90 days. He was prescibed crutches. Fortunately he discoved Freedom Leg while looking for alternatives on the internet and was able to walk again without difficulty"

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