Rehab and prosthesis after amputation

prosthesis after amputation · rehab after leg amputation · learning to walk with a prosthetic leg · prosthetic fitting

After an amputation, the residual limb is prepared for a prosthesis, and then you are taught to walk and live with it. A doctor, a prosthetist, and a rehab specialist work together.

After a leg or arm amputation, once the wound has healed and your doctor allows it.

⏱ Duration: a session usually takes 45 to 60 minutes; getting to confident walking usually takes months

Be sure to tell your doctor

How the residual limb is healing and whether it hurts
Phantom pain, a feeling of pain in the missing part
Diabetes and blood vessel disease
What you did before the amputation: work, hobbies
How your home is set up: stairs, bathroom

How to prepare

Residual limb. Bandaging or a silicone liner helps shape the limb. A specialist will show you how.
Skin. Check the skin of the residual limb every day and keep it clean and dry.
Clothing. Comfortable clothes, shorts or loose trousers, and a shoe for your healthy foot.

What to bring

Your discharge papers from surgery
Your prosthesis, if you already have one
Comfortable clothes and shoes
A list of your medicines

How it goes

The doctor examines the residual limb and your general condition
You do exercises for strength and joint movement
The prosthetist takes measurements and makes the prosthesis
You learn to put it on and take it off
You practice standing and walking with it, at first by parallel bars
Then you learn stairs and walking outdoors

What you'll feel

Walking on the prosthesis is hard and tiring at first
Phantom sensations and pain are common, so tell your doctor
The residual limb may rub, especially at the start

Afterwards

Check the skin of the residual limb every day
If the prosthesis rubs, do not put up with it, show it to the prosthetist
Do your exercises at home
The prosthesis is adjusted over time, since the limb changes

Contact a doctor straight away if

A sore, redness, or pus on the residual limb
A fever over 38°C (100.4°F)
The limb turned blue, is cold, or hurts sharply
You fell and hit yourself hard

Common questions

When can I put on a prosthesis?

Usually once the wound has healed, after a few weeks. Your doctor will tell you the time.

Will phantom pain go away?

Often it gets weaker over time. There are ways to ease it, so tell your doctor.