Leg lifter: moving a stiff leg into bed, a car or a chair
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- Rigid-core leg lifter with hand and foot loops. Best for: Hip or knee replacement recovery. See options on Amazon
- Soft webbing leg lifter. Best for: Travel or occasional use in the car. See options on Amazon
- Extra-long leg lifter. Best for: Taller users, or anyone lifting from a high bed or SUV seat. See options on Amazon
Who uses a leg lifter
Leg lifters are often used during recovery from hip or knee replacement, when bending forward to grab the leg may break your precautions. AAOS OrthoInfo's hip replacement precautions include not bending at the waist beyond 90 degrees, not bringing the knee on the operated side higher than the hip, and not reaching down to pull up blankets in bed. A strap lets your arms do the lifting while you stay upright.
Drive Medical describes its leg lifter simply as a way to help lift your leg, with hand and foot loops. An occupational or physical therapist can show you how to use one with your own precautions.
How to get into bed with a leg lifter
NHS Lanarkshire's steps for getting into bed after hip replacement are a good base: step back until your legs touch the bed, slide the operated leg out in front, reach back for the bed, sit down, slide your bottom back a little, then swing your legs round and get comfortable. A leg lifter fits into the swing step:
- Before you sit, loop the strap over your operated foot, or hook it once you are seated.
- Sit and slide back so most of your thighs are on the bed.
- Hold the hand loop and lift the leg as you turn, keeping the knee level with or below the hip.
- Let the strong leg move on its own or help guide the other.
- Unhook the loop once your legs are on the bed.
UCLA Health's knee brochure describes keeping the surgical leg straight as you move it to the edge of the bed and using your arms to raise your upper body. To get out, reverse the steps. Cambridge University Hospitals advises getting out of bed toward the side of your operated leg after hip replacement.
Types and what to look for
| Type | Strength | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Rigid-core strap | The stiffened band holds the foot loop open, so you can hook your foot without bending | Less flexible to pack |
| Soft webbing strap | Light, folds small | The loop can flop shut, which makes hooking the foot harder |
| Strap with hand loop and foot loop | Secure hold at both ends | Check the hand loop suits your grip |
Drive Medical, for example, lists a leg lifter with hand and foot loops in its personal care chart, with a 36 inch long webbing strap with a rigid core. Check the foot loop is big enough for your foot plus a shoe or bandage, and that the length lets you lift while sitting upright.
Other places it helps
- Car: sit on the seat first, then use the strap to lift each leg in.
- Recliner or footstool: raise the leg onto a rest without leaning forward.
- Wheelchair: lift the foot onto the footrest.
Keep the strap where you need it, such as hooked on the walker or by the bed. Other tools in the same kit include a reacher and a long shoe horn.
What to look for when you buy
Rigid-core leg lifter with hand and foot loops
Best for: Hip or knee replacement recovery
A stiff band keeps the foot loop open so you can hook your foot without bending, and a hand loop gives a secure pull while you stay upright.
Watch out: Check the length; a strap that is too short makes you lean forward, which hip precautions may forbid.
See options on AmazonSoft webbing leg lifter
Best for: Travel or occasional use in the car
Lightweight webbing folds into a bag and still lets the arms lift the leg.
Watch out: The loop can collapse, which makes hooking the foot harder without bending.
See options on AmazonExtra-long leg lifter
Best for: Taller users, or anyone lifting from a high bed or SUV seat
A longer strap keeps your hands at a comfortable height while the foot rests low.
Watch out: Long straps can tangle; tuck it away when not in use.
See options on AmazonQuestions people ask
- What is a leg lifter used for?
- It lets you lift a weak, stiff or post-surgery leg with your arms, for getting into bed, into a car, or onto a footrest.
- Do I need a leg lifter after hip replacement?
- It can help, because OrthoInfo's precautions limit bending beyond 90 degrees and reaching down in bed. Ask your therapist whether it suits your surgery.
- How do you get into bed after a hip replacement?
- Back up to the bed, slide the operated leg forward, sit, slide back a little, then swing your legs round together, as NHS Lanarkshire describes. A leg lifter can lift the operated leg as you turn.
- Can a leg lifter be used after knee replacement?
- Yes. It helps lift a straight, swollen leg onto the bed, as long as you keep within your surgeon's instructions.
- How long should a leg lifter be?
- Long enough to hook your foot while you sit upright holding the hand loop. Drive Medical describes a 36 inch strap; taller users may want a longer one.
- Can I use a leg lifter to get out of bed?
- Yes. Lift the operated leg toward the edge as you turn, then lower it to the floor. Cambridge University Hospitals advises getting out toward the side of your operated leg after hip replacement.
Sources
- Activities After Hip Replacement (orthoinfo.org), AAOS OrthoInfo
- Getting into Bed After a Hip Replacement (nhslanarkshire.scot.nhs.uk), NHS Lanarkshire
- Total hip replacement: patient information (cuh.nhs.uk), Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
- Knee Rehab Brochure (uclahealth.org), UCLA Health
- Personal Care Products Comparison Chart (drivemedical.com), Drive Medical (maker)