Amputation Specialist

What is an amputation?

An amputation is a complex surgical procedure that involves removing all or part of your foot or lower leg, while preserving as much healthy bone and soft tissue as possible. It’s a critical procedure to help restore your quality of life and stop further infection.

Usually, an amputation is the absolute last resort, only after conservative measures or limb salvage have failed.

Why do I need an amputation?

There are a number of reasons why you may need an amputation on your lower limb. For instance, if you suffered from a severe crush injury, possibly due to a car accident or workplace injury, the damage to your bones and tissues might be irreparable and require amputation.

Your physician may also recommend an amputation because of:

• Tumors in your lower limbs
• Severe frostbite or gangrene
• Serious diabetic wounds or ulcers
• Decreased blood flow to the limb
• Deep wounds or burns that won’t heal

It’s even possible that you may be a candidate for amputation if you’ve completely lost sensation to your foot or lower leg, or have experienced loss of function.

Because an amputation can certainly be an overwhelming experience — from diagnosis through rehabilitation — the compassionate team at Affiliated Foot & Ankle Care supports you and your loved ones every step of the way.

What is the recovery like after an amputation?

An amputation is a major surgery that requires extensive downtime and rehabilitation. This inpatient surgery requires you to stay in the hospital for up to several weeks.

During this time, you meet regularly with your foot and ankle surgeon, mental health provider, and occupational or physical therapist, to set you up on a path to full recovery.

When you’re released from the hospital, you’re given detailed instructions about how to care for your surgical wound, how to manage pain, and when to go to occupational or physical therapy.

If you have a complex amputation or are healing slowly, your practitioner from Affiliated Foot & Ankle Care may encourage you to go to inpatient rehabilitation for a few weeks after the hospital, rather than going straight home.

You may get fitted for a temporary prosthetic within about three months of surgery. Depending on how quickly you heal, you can get fitted for your permanent prosthetic between 6-12 months after your amputation. The caring team at Affiliated Foot & Ankle Care monitors you regularly to ensure you return to your normal activities as quickly as possible.

Schedule your amputation evaluation at Affiliated Foot & Ankle Care today. Click on the online scheduler or call any office to speak with a team member.