|  | Surgeries Operations | Surgeries

Physchological Impact of Foot Amputation

Many emotions can accompany the experience of a foot amputation, heralding in feelings that can lead to anger and depression. Therefore, it isn't surprising that a foot amputation can have a psychological impact on the amputee just as much as a physical one.

  1. Foot Amputation

    • Foot amputation is the surgical removal of an individual's foot. This type of amputation can be the result of diabetes, gangrene or an injury. When blood flow becomes interrupted and skin or tissue starts to die, amputation can prevent further serious infection or tissue death, helping to halt additional body extremity loss.

    Amputation Impact

    • As with any surgery, individuals undergoing an amputation also may experience some physical side effects, including phantom pain. Emotional and psychological side effects are possible as well, according to the Mayo Clinic. That is why a social worker is sometimes a part of the rehabilitation team during recovery after surgery---and why a mental health professional is recommended by the Mayo Clinic for those who are finding it difficult to deal with the loss of the foot.

    Physical Changes and Psychological Impact

    • As an individual attempts to adapt to the loss of their foot, they not only must overcome the physical changes that are required--such as getting used to moving around without the foot--they must also deal with the emotional issues that surface due to such activities as prosthesis fittings, physical therapy, and changes made to their home environment in order to accommodate the new physical condition.

    Amputation Reason Important

    • According to the British Journal of Psychiatry, the psychological impact of amputation has been studied the most in one particular group: veterans. Veterans, however, suffer amputation as a result of war injuries and violent altercations---not due to medical reasons.

      It is not easy to differentiate between the psychological impacts felt as a result of war versus that due to amputation. in a study cited by the BJP, in which 66 amputees were interviewed, it was concluded that individuals who suffered amputation during later years fared much better against the psychological impact of depression than their younger counterparts. This, it was felt, was due to the length of time an individual had to live with the condition of amputation.

    Psychological Stages

    • After amputation, an individual experiencing amputation loss may respond in different ways but there are some similar reactions as well, such as disbelief and a stunned feeling. These two reactions, along with panic, anger, rage, grief, despair, and horror, fall into the early psychological stage, according to the online Indian Medical College website, Medind.nic.

      Relief, shame, guilt and happiness (surprisingly) also can be experienced during the early psychological stage. In the later stage, anxiety, depression and over-activity can be experienced.

    Significant

    • In light of the fact that losing a limb or foot can significantly affect an individual physically for the rest of their life, it isn't surprising that a psychological impact is as likely to be felt as phantom or real pain. Therefore, it is important that amputees receive psychosocial support as much as physical rehabilitation during the amputation and healing process.

Surgeries - Related Articles