An amputation is a surgical procedure that is conducted to remove part or all of a limb or extremity.
There are multiple reasons an individual may need to receive an amputation, including:
- Complications from diabetes.
- Peripheral arterial disease.
- Infections
- Malignancy
- Serious injury.
- Congenital deformities.
- Burns
Statistics of Amputations
- It has been found that in Australia, every 30 minutes on average, an individual loses a limb (Limbs 4 Life, 2024)
- In 2012-13, it was found that there were 3,570 lower limb amputations provided in a hospital to patients with a diagnosis of diabetes (AIHW, 2017).
- In a study conducted in 2010 (Limbs 4 life) demonstrated that over 50% of amputations were below the knee and the majority of participants received an amputation as a result of trauma.
Post Amputation
After receiving an amputation, individuals may begin to experience what is referred to as Phantom Limb Pain. This refers to the perception of pain or discomfort and is often described as tingling, throbbing, sharp, pins and needles sensations in the limb that is no longer there (Hanyu-Deutmeyer et al., 2023). A systematic review and meta-analysis found that Phantom Limb Pain prevalence was estimated to be around 64%, varying between developed and developing countries (Limakatso et al., 2024).
Another type of pain commonly experienced post amputation is known as residual limb pain. This is the pain that is felt in the part of the limb remaining post amputation and is described as a throbbing, burning or stabbing pain. Studies show that the prevalence of residual limb pain is around 59 % (List et al, 2021).
Following receiving an amputation, individuals experience a significant change in their capacity to complete activities of daily living, engage in hobbies and recreational activities and confidently engage within a community setting, therefore decreasing their quality of life. This can be attributed to experiencing phantom limb pain, residual limb pain and adjusting to a new lifestyle. This can therefore have a negative impact on both an individual’s physical and psychological wellbeing (Sahu et al., 2016).
How can an Exercise Physiologist help?
Exercise Physiologists have the knowledge and expertise to provide an individualised exercise program for those who have undergone an amputation. We focus on developing an exercise program that assists individuals in working towards achieving their goals, increasing their capacity to engage in activities of daily living and hobbies and recreational activities.
Written by Uplift Exercise Physiologist, Mykaila Walls
References
- Amputee Awareness Week – Amputees NSW. (2024). Amputees NSW. https://amputeesnsw.org.au/amputee-awareness-week/
- Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. (2017). Burden of lower limb amputations due to diabetes in Australia: Australian Burden of Disease Study 2011, Summary. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/burden-of-disease/lower-limb-amputations-due-to-diabetes/summary
- Hanyu-Deutmeyer, A. A., Cascella, M., & Varacallo, M. (2023, August 4). Phantom Limb Pain. Nih.gov; StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK448188/
- Katleho Limakatso, F. Ndhlovu, A. Usenbo, S. Rayamajhi, C. Kloppers, & Parker, R. (2024). The prevalence and risk factors for phantom limb pain: a cross-sectional survey. BMC Neurology, 24(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12883-024-03547-w
- List, E. B., Krijgh, D. D., Martin, E., & Coert, J. H. (2021). Prevalence of residual limb pain and symptomatic neuromas after lower extremity amputation.
- Pain, 162(7). https://doi.org/10.1097/j.pain.0000000000002202
- Prathusha Maduri, & Hossein Akhondi. (2019, May 18). Upper Limb Amputation. Nih.gov; StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK540962/
- Resources | Limbs 4 life. (2024). Www.limbs4life.org.au. https://www.limbs4life.org.au/resources
- Sagar, R., Sahu, A., Sarkar, S., & Sagar, S. (2016). Psychological Effects of amputation: a Review of Studies from India. Industrial Psychiatry Journal, 25(1), 4. https://doi.org/10.4103/0972-6748.196041