Limb Loss Statistics

A Time t o Recognize

Adaptive Life Foundation

Limb Loss Statistics:  There are approximately 185,000 amputations performed each year and the total number

of current amputees living in the United States is approximately 2 million.

(Amputee-coalition.com. “Limb Loss Statistics.” Amputee Coalition. N.p., 2013. Web. 02

Dec. 2013) (Zangara, 2013).

There are several causes of limb loss in the United States: 

1.  Vascular disease 54%

2.  Trauma 45% 

3.  Malignancy 1%

4.  Congenital deficiency < 1%

(Amputee-coalition.com. “Limb Loss Statistics.” Amputee Coalition. N.p.,

2013. Web. 02 Dec. 2013) (Zangara, 2013).

Diabetic Peripheral Artery Disease:  Affects nearly 2 million people in the United States and among those individuals, 54% sustain some degree of limb loss. (Avinger, 2019)

Atherosclerosis of Lower Extremities:  PAD is a disease where patient experience atherosclerosis in the arteries of their legs and feet and over 50% of all patients diagnosed with PAD have no symptoms at all (Avinger, 2019).

Symptoms of Peripheral Artery Disease:  Include severe cramping in the leg after walking or exercising due to the intermittent spasm in the arteries.  This leg pain will typically dissipate after rest (Avinger, 2019).

Gangrene:  Gangrene can develop in areas of the feet and toes where the blood supply is lost due to obstruction and blockage in the arteries.  Patients who are experiencing symptoms of PAD like gangrene or dead tissue should seek medical treatment immediately as gangrene can lead to amputation of a limb if left untreated (Avinger, 2019).

Amputation:  One of the symptoms of PAD that leads to amputation is lower extremity sores that will not heal.  These chronic wounds on the legs and feet cannot heal themselves because there is not enough healthy blood flow to the lower extremities. Neglected ulcers and wounds on the legs of patients with Peripheral Artery Disease, can quickly become a very serious problem that can lead to amputation (Avinger, 2019).

High-Risk Complications:  There are several factors that increase a patient's risk of complications from Peripheral Artery disease including smoking, advanced age, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, family history of cardiovascular disease, sedentary lifestyle, and obesity.

(CVC, 2018).

Medication and Lifestyle Changes:  Several medications may be prescribed to prevent further progression of the disease and to reduce the effect of contributing factors such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and elevated cholesterol. Medications that fight infections and pain medications may also be prescribed in certain cases (CVC, 2018).  If you experience severe discomfort in the legs, a supervised exercise routine may be prescribed. Regular exercise may also result in other benefits such as weight loss, lower blood pressure, lower cholesterol, and better control of diabetes (CVC, 2018).

References Diabetes and Amputation: A Matter of Life and Limb. (2019). Avinger. Retrieved from

https://blog.avinger.com/blog/diabetes-and-amputation-a-matter-of-life-and-limb.

Accessed on 10-13-2019

Leg Amputation Can Be Avoided in PAD Patients. (2018). Coastal Vascular Center.

Retrieved from https://coastalvascular.net/leg-amputation-can-avoided-pad-patients/.

Accessed on 10-13-2019

Robotic Limbs. (n.d.). Joel Zangara. Retrieved from

https://joelzangara.wordpress.com/statistics/. Accessed on 10-13-2019

TOP 10 EMOTIONAL WELL-BEING

TIPS FOR AMPUTEES

1. Drink more water:

Research shows that dehydration negatively affects your mood. When you adequately hydrate your body, your brain function is improved. Water gets to muscles, heart and lungs, reducing stress on your system. Water helps to eliminate the body of waste and improves digestion.  Keep a plenty of water near you throughout your day and drink!

2. Move your body:

Exercising 20 Minutes a day can greatly improve your mood. When you exercise, your energy levels increases, pain is reduced, endorphins rise, and you sleep better. Balance, range of motion, circulatory, respiratory, skeletal and muscular systems improve. No matter your level of limb loss, there is some activity out there for you. The more active you become, the better your sense of independence and self-confidence.

3. Commit to fun: 

When you have fun, doing something you like love time stands still. You are in the moment, flowing with life. You are less critical of yourself or others. Is there something you love to do that you haven’t done in a while? Being creative positively shapes your sense of self.

4. Surround yourself with supportive people: 

Find people who have your back. Isolation breeds unhelpful repetitive thinking, which negatively affects your quality of life. Try to find new connections. Even those who love you most may not be able to be there for you as much as you’d like. There are many online amputee support groups that can uplift your spirit, such as the example below.

a. Amputee Coalition ( facebook.com/AmputeeCoalition )

b. Amputee Help & Support Line ( facebook.com/group/AmputeeHelp )

c. Amputee Peer and Support Group ( facebook.com/group/1106555026032982 )

d. Amputee Support Group ( dailystrength.org/group/amputees )

5. Eat a balanced diet: 

Did you know that almost 95 percent of serotonin, our mood stabilizer, is produced in the gut? Boost your mood by eating fresh, high-nutrient foods, including vegetables, legumes, whole grains fruits, seafood and some lean meats. Start small. Your body will adjust, your energy levels will improve and before you know it, you will better all around.

6. Laugh often: 

You will always have stressors that come your way. Laughter releases endorphins, protecting your heart and building your immune system. Laughter creates community, even among strangers. The act of laughing means your body is subconsciously releasing tension to feel better.

7. Give room for your negative thoughts: 

You may have been told to “stay positive” when dealing with your limb loss. Coercing positive self-talk without first acknowledging that you may be feeling angry, sad or discouraged is not helpful. Get in touch with those strong emotions by talking to a counselor, friend or spiritual mentor. Once you do, you will find that there is more space for a positive attitude.

8. Rest: 

According to the CDC, one-third of adults are not getting enough rest. For amputees, phantom or chronic pain can exacerbate the situation. But rest dose not only mean sleep. Restful activities include being in nature, reading, petting an animal, fishing, meditation, putting away the cell phone, enjoying five minutes of quiet. When you have down time, you are calmer and more content.

9. Follow your intuition: 

Your body is always sending messages. Intuition is a mind/body sensation that shows you how to trust your instincts. The more you notice what your body is telling you, the better equipped you are to make decisions that are best for you.

10. Change a habit that isn’t helping you:

All of us have go-to habits for when we feel stressed. Even sometime as simple as turning on the news first thing in the morning may be harming your inner peace. Or perhaps you are the king of negative self-talk. Changing a habit takes time! It takes 40 days to change a habit, 90 days to strengthens a new habit, 120 days to feel like you own the habit, and 1,000 days to master it. Take a moment today to assess if there are any daily habits you have that are hindering your emotional well-being. How would your life be different if that habit had no hold in your life? Your emotional well-being as an amputee is directly tied into your physical well-being and mental state. Each of these tips on their own can enhance all three. Even one tip can have long-term benefits. Remember, you are worthy of a full, bundant life. It starts with giving yourself permission to feel good.

*Please consult your physician if you are on a fluid restriction diet.

** Please consult your physician if you are on a restricted or special diet.

*** These tips are suggestions on improving emotional well-being. They are not replace  medical or psychological care.