About Amputation
Learn about amputations and when they are necessary.
Lower Limb Amputation rates are decreasing in the United Sates!
The role of Peripheral Vascular Disease in Amputation
Diabetes and Smoking – the statistical double whammy
Smoking is also a major risk factor for limb loss that shouldn’t be ignored. And, should you require an amputation, smoking has been proven to negatively impact the post-surgical healing process.
Amputation Prevention: Our role in that goal
Amputation Prevention: Your role in that goal
To put your role in perspective, 80% of diabetes-related lower limb amputations are preceded by a Diabetic Foot Ulcer. We can’t say strongly enough: don’t let the ulcer go too long before seeking vascular evaluation, control your diabetes, and firmly commit to a tobacco-free life. It’s never too late to make these potentially limb-saving changes.
Common Types of Lower Limb Amputations performed for Vascular Disease
- Toe amputation
- Partial foot amputation
- Below knee amputation
- Above knee amputation
Where to Amputate?
Recovering From Amputation
Hospital staff changes the dressings on the wound and may also teach the patient to how change them. A physician will monitor healing of the wound and any conditions that may complicate the healing process, such as diabetes or atherosclerosis. The doctor will also prescribe medications to control pain and prevent onset of infection.
Patients who experience phantom pain (a feeling of pain in the amputated limb) or emotional distress over the lost limb will be prescribe medication and/or counseling by the physician, as necessary.
Physical therapy usually begins soon after the procedure is completed, starting with gentle stretching exercises. About 10 to 14 days after amputation most patients can begin practicing with prosthetic limbs, where applicable.
Amputation wounds generally heal in about 4 to 8 weeks. However, the physical and emotional adjustment to losing a limb can be a longer process.
