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General health information

Leg amputation

After part of a leg is amputated, wound care, rehabilitation and protecting the other leg are important for recovery.

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  • A leg amputation removes part of the foot or leg because tissue is irreversibly diseased or damaged, or to treat a tumour.
  • The most common reasons are severe vascular disease and diabetes, infection, trauma and cancer.
  • The amputation level is chosen as low as possible, but must have enough blood supply to heal and be suitable for sitting, transfers or a prosthesis.
  • Rehabilitation starts before or shortly after surgery, focusing on fitness, strength, posture, wound care and goals.
  • Not everyone receives or wants a prosthesis; independence with a wheelchair and transfer training is an equally valid rehabilitation goal.
  • Phantom sensations are common and real; phantom pain can be treated with a combination of explanation, medicines and non-drug techniques.
  • Daily checks of both the residual limb and the other foot are essential, especially with diabetes or reduced sensation.
  • Fever, pus, rapidly spreading redness, a black or cold residual limb, sudden breathlessness or sudden severe pain needs prompt help.

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Further reading

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