Question 1

How to use a Leg Lifter

Accepted Answer

Using a leg lifter is really quite straightforward, and they are a really useful little aid if you struggle to lift your leg onto a bed, footstool, or into a car. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide on how to use one:

Prepare the Leg Lifter

Hold the handle loop at one end of the leg lifter.
Place the stiffened loop at the other end around your foot (usually around the arch of your foot, or if more comfortable, under the heel).

Position Yourself

Sit comfortably in a chair, wheelchair, or on the bed.
Make sure you are stable and in a safe position before you start lifting your leg.

Lift the Leg

Using your arm, pull on the handle loop to lift your foot.
Guide your leg into the position you want (onto the bed, onto a footplate, or into the car).

Adjust if Needed

Once your leg is in position, you can adjust it further with your hands if necessary.
You can then remove the lifter from your foot.

Repeat if Needed

If you need to move both legs (for example, getting into bed), repeat the process for the other leg.

Tips

Leg lifters are especially helpful if you’ve had hip surgery, knee surgery, or have weakness in your legs.
They are lightweight and easy to store, so they’re handy to keep by the bed or in the car.

Question 2

Should you use a Leg Lifter after hip surgery?

Accepted Answer

Yes, a leg lifter can be very useful after hip surgery, especially in the early stages of recovery when lifting your operated leg might be difficult or uncomfortable.

Why it helps:

After hip replacement or other hip surgeries, the operated leg can feel heavy, stiff, and difficult to move.
You may be told to avoid bending forward too much (to protect the hip joint while healing), and a leg lifter allows you to move your leg without having to lean over and grab it.
It reduces strain on your healing hip and helps you follow any movement precautions your physiotherapist or surgeon has recommended (like avoiding twisting or bending your hip past 90 degrees).

When to use a leg lifter:

Getting into or out of bed.
Moving your leg onto a footstool or into a car.
After sitting for a while, when your leg feels stiff.

Important note:

Always follow your surgeon's or physiotherapist's advice. If they have given you specific movement restrictions (like no crossing your legs or bending your hip too much), make sure you follow those rules when using the lifter.
A leg lifter is an aid to help you stay safe and independent, but it doesn’t replace proper rehab exercises — so keep up with your physiotherapy too!

Leg Lifters

Dual Handle Leg Lifter

Rigid Leg Lifter

Single Leg Lifter

Looped Leg Lifter

Kozee Thigh Lifter

Mangar Airflo Electric Leg Lifter

Leg Up Leg Lifter

Kozee Leg Lifter

Leg Lifter

Rotary Leg Lifter