Amputee Care
Facing amputation through elective surgery or a traumatic event can feel overwhelming. Knowing what to expect during each step of the process can ease some concerns and being prepared has been proven to speed recovery and expedite the rehabilitation process.
Post-Surgical
Even though you won’t be cast for your prosthetic for a few weeks, you will start the process of rehabilitation and preparing your residual limb for your prosthetic immediately after your surgery. In these early weeks, your limb will be very bulbous and swollen and may have small “dog ears” where the skin comes together at the incision. The incision will be closed with stitches and staples, which will gradually be removed as you heal. You will likely wear a protective covering for your limb to protect it if you fall, prevent infection and keep your leg fully extended to prevent muscle contractures.
The early weeks of recovery are a crucial phase with three main goals: caring for your residual limb, reducing your swelling and keeping your residual limb clean.
Residual Limb Preparation
Research has shown that the first several months of rehab are crucial to your long-term success as an amputee. Your physical therapist and prosthetist are the best resources to help you maintain the range of motion and strength in your body and extremities, as well as prepare you for learning to use or walk with a prosthesis. A comprehensive inpatient and outpatient therapy schedule is critical to reaching your goals and becoming a successful prosthetic user.
Begin massaging and exercising your residual limb as soon as you are able. This will help you become more comfortable with the changes in your body, reduce swelling and desensitize the tender skin. A proper massage and exercise routine will also strengthen the muscles and support tissues in the limb while increasing blood flow and circulation.
When am I ready?
About two to three weeks into your recovery you will begin seeing your prosthetist on a regular basis to evaluate your recovery. Based on the factors below, many amputees are ready to be cast for their initial prosthesis about five to seven weeks after surgery.
Volume – The size of your limb will continue to decrease for the first year of your recovery. Your prosthetist will be looking for stabilization of the shape at the base of your limb and for fluctuations in volume to plateau.
Pain – Casting and wearing a prosthesis requires manipulation of the limb and weight-bearing around the residual limb. You should have minimal pain and tenderness at this point.
Healing – Your practitioner will wait until your wound is clean, dry and closed (CDC) and all of your sutures are removed before casting to prevent prolonging the healing process.
How can I get around before I receive my prosthesis?
Lower body amputee patients are often concerned about how they will get around before their first appointment. Although you may first think of a wheelchair, we highly recommend using crutches during this time. Using crutches will help you stay in shape by moving and exercising.
Even after you are fitted for your prosthesis it is a good idea for you to keep a pair of crutches or a rollator for times when you are not wearing your prosthesis.
How can I alleviate my phantom pain?
Pain and phantom sensations can vary and may appear like cramping, aching, burning, or even a brief sharp pulse feeling. Stress, anxiety, fear, and lack of sleep or proper nutrition will usually increase your discomfort. There are several options to reduce pain or discomfort, including acupuncture, chiropractic care, or circulation therapy. Do not hesitate to discuss any pain or phantom sensation with your prosthetist, physician, or therapist.
Wrap the residual limb in a warm, soft towel or a heating pad
Wrap the residual limb in a cold pack or apply cooling cream or gel
Tighten and slowly release the muscles in the residual limb
Wear your shrinker sock or wrap the limb in an elastic or Ace bandage
Change your position - get up, move around, sit down, etc.
Massage the residual limb (with both hands, if a lower body amputation)
Additional Resources
Limbs 4 Life - We empower amputees with knowledge and support to make a real difference, because no one should have to go through limb loss alone.
Amputee Coalition - To reach out to and empower people affected by limb loss to achieve their full potential through education, support and advocacy, and to promote limb loss prevention.
Amplitude Magazine - Amplitude magazine provides valuable and unbiased news, information, and resources for amputees who want to live more fully, as well as articles and information relevant to their families and their caregivers.