Best Leg Lifter UK: Strap and Rigid Aids for Hip Recovery

By Scott Smith. Last reviewed 22 October 2026.

Does a Leg Lifter Help After Hip Replacement?

Yes, a leg lifter for hip replacement recovery is one of the most common aids given, because it lets you move your operated leg without bending forward or straining the new joint. Hospital teams often advise against bending the hip beyond 90 degrees for several weeks, and lifting the leg onto a bed can break that rule without help. Choose a lifter long enough to hold while sitting upright, usually around 90 to 105 cm, so you can lift without leaning. A rigid lifter gives more control for people with weak arms, while a strap is lighter and folds into a bag. Practise using it before surgery if you can. Pair it with a sock aid and a long handled sponge. Follow the specific advice your physiotherapist or occupational therapist gives.

How Do These Leg Lifters Compare?

The table lists each leg lifter with who it suits and its main feature. Measure from your seated hand height to your foot before comparing them.

Should I Choose a Rigid or Strap Leg Lifter?

Rigid leg lifters suit people who need more control and support, while a strap lifter suits those who want a light, flexible aid that packs away. Rigid lifters have a stiff handle that lets you push the leg down as well as lift it up, useful for guiding a leg across a bed. Strap lifters, often webbing or nylon with a hand loop, are lighter and bend around obstacles but only pull upwards. Compare the foot loop: a padded, wider loop is more comfortable and holds the foot steady, while a narrow loop may slip. Measure your foot width with shoes on if you use it outdoors. Hoop style lifters let the foot slide in easily. Check the handle grip too, as foam or padded handles help people with weak hands.

How Long Should a Leg Lifter Be?

A leg lifter should be long enough for you to hold the handle while sitting upright with the foot loop around your foot, which for most adults means around 90 to 105 cm. Sit on your bed edge or a chair, hold your hand at a comfortable height near your chest, and measure from there to the arch of your foot. Add a few centimetres so you are not stretching. Too short and you will lean forward, which defeats the purpose after hip surgery. Too long and the strap becomes hard to control. Telescopic lifters adjust in length, which suits people sharing one lifter or using it in different settings. For car use, a shorter lifter can be easier to handle in the confined space of a footwell.

How Do I Use a Leg Lifter to Get Into Bed?

Use a leg lifter to get into bed by first sitting on the edge of the mattress with your back straight and the lifter beside you. Slip the foot loop over the foot of the leg you need to lift, holding the handle with both hands near your chest. Lean back slightly and support yourself on one elbow or hand if needed, then pull the handle towards you while turning your body to face along the bed. Guide the leg up and onto the mattress slowly, keeping your knee pointing up rather than rolling in. Lift the other leg the same way, or use your stronger leg to help. Remove the loop once both legs are on the bed. To get out, reverse the steps, using the lifter to lower each leg to the floor. Keep your bed at a height where your hips are slightly higher than your knees when seated. If you have had hip surgery, follow the exact movements your physiotherapist taught you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is a Leg Lifter Used For?

A leg lifter is used to raise one leg at a time using your arms, such as onto a bed, into a car or onto a footstool. It suits people who cannot lift their leg after surgery, injury or because of weakness or stiffness in the hip or knee.

Does a Leg Lifter Help After Hip Replacement?

Yes, a leg lifter helps after hip replacement by letting you move your operated leg without bending forward. It is commonly provided as part of recovery equipment. Follow the movement advice your physiotherapist or occupational therapist gives.

Can You Use a Leg Lifter in a Car?

Yes, a leg lifter works well in a car to lift each leg in and out of the footwell. Sit on the seat facing out, loop the lifter around your foot and guide your leg in as you turn. A car turning disc on the seat can make the turn easier.

Rigid or Strap Leg Lifter, Which Is Better?

A rigid leg lifter is better for people who need more control and want to push the leg as well as lift it. A strap lifter is better for people who want something light and portable. An occupational therapist can advise which suits your needs.

How Long Should a Leg Lifter Be?

Most adults need a leg lifter around 90 to 105 cm long so they can hold it while sitting upright. Measure from your hand at chest height to the arch of your foot while seated. Telescopic lifters adjust to suit different users.