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Limb Loss
Summary
People can lose all or part of an arm or leg for a number of reasons. Common ones include:
- Problems with blood circulation. These may be the result of atherosclerosis or diabetes. Severe cases may result in amputation.
- Injuries, including from traffic accidents and military combat
- Cancer
- Birth defects
Some amputees have phantom pain, which is the feeling of pain in the missing limb. Other physical problems include surgical complications and skin problems, if you wear an artificial limb. Many amputees use an artificial limb. Learning how to use it takes time. Physical therapy can help you adapt.
Recovery from the loss of a limb can be hard. Sadness, anger, and frustration are common. If you are having a tough time, talk to your doctor. Treatment with medicine or counseling can help.
Start Here
- Amputation: Prosthetic Hand and Fingers American Society for Surgery of the Hand
- Points to Know and Consider When Preparing for and Undergoing an Amputation Amputee Coalition of America
Prevention and Risk Factors
- Amputations Occupational Safety and Health Administration
- Diabetic Complications and Amputation Prevention American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons
Related Issues
- Arm, Hand, and Finger Replantation American Society for Surgery of the Hand
- Importance of Gait Training Amputee Coalition of America
- Phantom Limb Pain Cleveland Clinic Foundation
- Residual Limb Pain Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research
- Tips for Taking Care of Your Limb Amputee Coalition of America
- Wound Care: Preventing Infection Amputee Coalition of America
Clinical Trials
- ClinicalTrials.gov: Amputation National Institutes of Health
- ClinicalTrials.gov: Amputation, Traumatic National Institutes of Health
- ClinicalTrials.gov: Amputees National Institutes of Health
- ClinicalTrials.gov: Artificial Limbs National Institutes of Health
- ClinicalTrials.gov: Phantom Limb National Institutes of Health
Older Adults
- Coping with Aging and Amputation Amputee Coalition of America
Patient Handouts
- Foot amputation – discharge Medical Encyclopedia
- Leg amputation – discharge Medical Encyclopedia
- Leg or foot amputation Medical Encyclopedia
- Leg or foot amputation – dressing change Medical Encyclopedia
- Phantom limb pain Medical Encyclopedia
- Traumatic amputation Medical Encyclopedia
Living With
- Management of Residual Limb Pain Amputee Coalition of America
- When a Parent Loses a Limb: Helping Children Cope Amputee Coalition of America