Healthdirect Free Australian health advice you can count on.

Medical problem? Call 1800 022 222. If you need urgent medical help, call triple zero immediately

healthdirect Australia is a free service where you can talk to a nurse or doctor who can help you know what to do.

beginning of content

Amputation

5-minute read

Key facts

  • There are several reasons why someone might have an amputation (loss or removal of a part of your body).
  • The loss of a limb can be a life-changing experience, but there is help and support available.
  • Rehabilitation is important to help you recover and regain your independence.
  • Several healthcare professionals will be involved in your care.

What is an amputation?

An amputation is the loss or removal of a part of your body, such as an arm or leg. The loss of a limb can be a life-changing experience, but there is help and support available.

Why might an amputation be needed?

There are several reasons why someone might need to have an amputation. These can include:

  • diabetes complications
  • peripheral vascular disease (narrowing of the arteries leading to your legs and feet)
  • other causes of severely reduced blood supply to the limb
  • severe infection
  • cancer
  • serious injury

Many people can use a prosthesis (artificial limb) or mobility device to regain function after an amputation.

How can I prepare for surgery?

Amputations can be done as emergency or elective (planned) surgery. Finding out that you are facing an amputation can be difficult and scary.

Before planned amputations, you will meet with your surgeon. They will discuss the operation with you and any preparation needed. It can help to take a relative or friend with you to these appointments.

It can also help to make a list of questions before your appointment. This is so that you can discuss these with your doctor or other healthcare providers.

Preparation for an amputation may include:

  • a thorough medical examination
  • a psychological assessment
  • making adaptations to your home or work environment

What happens during and after amputation surgery?

Your surgeon will remove your limb, or part of the limb under anaesthetic. An anaesthetist (specialist doctor) will discuss with you beforehand what type of anaesthetic will be best for you.

The wound will be closed with stitches or staples. A drain may be inserted under your skin to drain away excess fluid. Your wound will be covered with a wound dressing and bandage.

Pain control

Your wound will be sore after surgery, but this should start to ease in 2 to 5 days. Pain relievers can be used to keep you comfortable after your surgery.

You may feel what is known as 'phantom limb' pain. This means you feel pain in the amputated limb, even though it is no longer there.

Some people also have ‘phantom sensations’, meaning they can still feel the limb that has been removed. You may have sensations such as:

  • pins and needles
  • itching
  • tingling sensations

Phantom limb pain and sensations are common and may last for a few weeks after your amputation. If phantom limb pain persists or is very uncomfortable, speak with your doctor.

What rehabilitation is needed after an amputation?

Rehabilitation will help you recover and regain your independence.

Usually, several healthcare members will be involved in your care, including a:

Your physiotherapist and occupational therapist will work out a rehabilitation program to help you return to work and other activities.

The program will start a few days after surgery. It will help you manage independently, for example by teaching you how to get in and out of a wheelchair.

You may then progress to an exercise program and learn how to use your prosthetic limb if you have one.

Your physiotherapist will also work with you to keep your joints as mobile as possible. This is to help prevent contractures, where your muscles, skin, tendons or ligaments become shortened and stiff. Contractures can limit how you move. The more you move and exercise, the less likely you will be to develop a contracture.

Prosthesis

You may be able to have a prosthetic (false) limb fitted after your surgery. Your prosthetist and healthcare team will help you prepare for this.

Psychological support

For some people, losing a limb is like losing a loved one and they will need to grieve. Coming to terms with the psychological impact of an amputation is just as important as coping with the physical changes.

Peer support can be helpful — peer support volunteers are people who have experienced and lived with limb loss.

It can also help to join a support group, either in-person or online. Try talking to friends and family about how you are feeling and stay connected.

You may also benefit from professional support, such as seeing a psychologist or counsellor. Talk to you doctor if you have ongoing feelings of:

Life after an amputation

Amputation can affect every area of your life, including your home and work. It’s a lot to adapt to, and you will need support.

You may need modifications to your home, or equipment such as:

  • a stair-ramp
  • handrails
  • a wheelchair lift
  • a modified car

You may need to change your routines and find new ways to do the things you are used to doing. The right help, training and equipment will make it easier for you to adapt.

Resources and support

Limbs 4 Life offers support and information on prosthetics and recovery to empower people who have had an amputation.

Further support is available from:

You can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Learn more here about the development and quality assurance of healthdirect content.

Last reviewed: April 2023


Back To Top

Need more information?

These trusted information partners have more on this topic.

Top results

Adjusting to Limb Loss

Limbs 4 Life is the recognized that amputees needed an organisation that provided up-to-date information and formalized peer support.

Read more on Limbs 4 Life website

Limb loss and driving | Limbs 4 Kids

Limb loss and driving Getting a driving licence For many teenagers and young people, getting a driving licence is exciting, as it offers them new independence

Read more on Limbs 4 Kids website

Helping your child adjust to limb amputation | Limbs 4 Kids

Helping your child adjust to limb amputation Children born with a limb difference develop ways of performing tasks and learning new things naturally

Read more on Limbs 4 Kids website

Managing pain  | Limbs 4 Kids

Managing pain  Some children and young people who have undergone an amputation may experience pain during their recovery and beyond

Read more on Limbs 4 Kids website

How can Limbs 4 Life help me?

Limbs 4 Life is the recognized that amputees needed an organisation that provided up-to-date information and formalized peer support.

Read more on Limbs 4 Life website

Peer Support

Limbs 4 Life is the recognized that amputees needed an organisation that provided up-to-date information and formalized peer support.

Read more on Limbs 4 Life website

Prosthetics for Children

This Fact Sheet explores issues related to prostheses for children including: the reasons why a child would or wouldn’t use a prosthetic limb; how children receive and are fitted with a prosthesis; strategies and ideas for how to support a child to get the most out of their prosthetic limb.

Read more on Limbs 4 Life website

General Health Care

Limbs 4 Life is the recognized that amputees needed an organisation that provided up-to-date information and formalized peer support.

Read more on Limbs 4 Life website

Hygiene and residual limb care | Limbs 4 Kids

Hygiene and residual limb care It is really important to maintain the health of your child’s residual limb (sometimes referred to as a ‘little limb’) to prevent potential health problems

Read more on Limbs 4 Kids website

Parking and public transport | Limbs 4 Kids

Parking and public transport Close parking and accessible transport can make a difference to the lives of parents and children with a limb difference

Read more on Limbs 4 Kids website

Healthdirect 24hr 7 days a week hotline

24 hour health advice you can count on

1800 022 222

Government Accredited with over 140 information partners

We are a government-funded service, providing quality, approved health information and advice

Australian Government, health department logo ACT Government logo New South Wales government, health department logo Northen Territory Government logo Queensland Government logo Government of South Australia, health department logo Tasmanian government logo Victorian government logo Government of Western Australia, health department logo

Healthdirect Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to the Traditional Owners and to Elders both past and present.