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Recovery From Leg Amputation

Recovering from a leg amputation can be a difficult and lengthy process that includes physical and mental recovery processes. Talk with your surgeon extensively before the procedure so that you know what to expect. Discuss feelings, concerns and information about the procedure and your recovery with friends and family. Most importantly, keep your doctors and therapists informed throughout the recovery process and promptly report any problems or concerns.

  1. Wound and Stump Care

    • Wound care is extremely important following leg amputation surgery, and stump care is continual. Your doctor will give you specific instructions for caring for the wound and stump depending on what type of leg amputation procedure was performed. Keep the surgical incision site clean, sterile and dry. Protecting yourself against infection is one of the most important steps in the early recovery process. Your doctor will give you instructions on how to care for your wound. You may require sponge baths until the sutures are removed to keep the area dry. Once the stitches are removed, wash the wound with antibacterial soap every night. Make sure to dry the area thoroughly and let scabs, dead skin and other blemishes fall off or heal on their own. The stump is usually wrapped in an elastic bandage to control swelling and to shape the stump for a future artificial leg. Your doctor will instruct you on how to rub and massage the stump after your stitches are removed to reduce skin hypersensitivity.

    Physical Rehabilitation

    • Physical rehabilitation and therapy begins shortly after surgery, usually within a day or two. Before you begin to use a prosthetic limb, therapy usually focuses on stretching to avoid contracture, which can cause the joints to freeze in one position. Your physical therapist will also work with you on transferring from a bed to a chair to a standing position. Balance training is important to learn how to adjust to the change in your center of gravity. Your physical therapist will also work with you on increasing your standing tolerance, learning to walk and navigate different types of terrain and obstacles, climbing stairs and fitting and training you to use a prosthetic leg.

    Psychological Issues

    • You may experience psychological issues following a leg amputation including depression, fear, anxiety and lowered self-esteem and self-image. Talk with your doctor about any psychological problems or emotions you have during the process. Many amputees undergo counseling to learn to cope with the feelings and thoughts an amputation provokes. Check with your doctor about local support groups, such as those through the Amputee Coalition of America. Contact a social worker in your area for advice and help on financial matters and access to programs to help you with household duties and errands if you need further assistance.

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