Abstract: Disclosed herein is an orthopedic device and methods to aid in reducing weight or pressure on a portion of a subject's knee while maintaining stability and normal gait patterns following injury or surgery. Certain embodiments include a main shaft for use in an orthopedic device, wherein the main shaft includes a curved portion. In embodiments, the curved portion cures outwardly in the walking direction. The curvature can comprise a curvature that is consistent with the maximum knee flexion angle that is observed during the loading phase of the normal gait cycle. In embodiments, the device further comprises a handle portion and a foot, wherein the main shaft is disposed between the handle portion and the foot. Additional aspects include a method of promoting the healing or recovery in a subject following injury or surgery of the knee using any one or more of the orthopedic devices disclosed herein.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an orthopedic device and methods to aid in reducing weight or pressure on a portion of a subject's knee while maintaining stability and normal gait patterns following injury or surgery. Certain embodiments include a main shaft for use in an orthopedic device, wherein the main shaft includes a curved portion. In embodiments, the curved portion cures outwardly in the walking direction. The curvature can comprise a curvature that is consistent with the maximum knee flexion angle that is observed during the loading phase of the normal gait cycle. In embodiments, the device further comprises a handle portion and a foot, wherein the main shaft is disposed between the handle portion and the foot. Additional aspects include a method of promoting the healing or recovery in a subject following injury or surgery of the knee using any one or more of the orthopedic devices disclosed herein.