Limb Loss: Causes, Phantom Pain and Recovery

Why limbs are lost

People can lose all or part of an arm or leg for many reasons. The common ones:

• Poor blood flow, often from atherosclerosis or diabetes. Severe cases can require amputation — surgical removal of the limb.
• Injuries, including traffic accidents and military combat.
• Cancer.
• Birth defects.

Physical problems afterward

• Phantom pain: pain felt in the limb that's no longer there.
• Surgical complications.
• Skin problems where an artificial limb is worn.

Artificial limbs

Many amputees use an artificial limb. Learning to use one takes time, and physical therapy can help you adapt.

Emotional recovery

Losing a limb is hard. Sadness, anger and frustration are common. If you're struggling, talk to your health care provider — medicine or counseling can help.

Sources

Based on "Limb Loss," MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine; a work of the United States government in the public domain.