Foot or leg amputation will alter many aspects of a person’s life. The individual must cope with adjusting to the amputation while striving to prevent complications. Concerns include:

• Pain. Phantom limb sensation is the feeling that the amputated part is still there. It may involve tingling or numbness. It is common after amputation. Phantom limb pain is the term used when this sensation is painful. In addition there may be stump pain, which is discomfort at the surgical site. Phantom limb pain can be troublesome and last for years. Treatments for phantom limb pain include:
  
  
• • Painkillers, ranging from nonprescription drugs to opioids
  • Anticonvulsant medications
  • Antidepressants
  • Electrical stimulation
  • Biofeedback
  • Acupuncture
  • Psychological counseling
    
    
• Psychological adjustment. Normal reactions to loss of a limb include depression, grief and impaired self-esteem. Individual and family counseling and support groups may be helpful.
  
  
• Smoking. Amputees who smoke have extra incentive to quit. Smoking impairs blood flow and thus impedes healing. It also is a risk factor in diabetes. Nonsmokers have lower risk of stump infection and further amputation.
  
  
• Hyperthermia (heat exhaustion). Skin helps cool the body through sweating. With a more involved amputation, the reduction in surface area can be enough to impede the body’s ability to cool itself. Prevention of hyperthermia includes drinking enough water to prevent dehydration, avoiding midday heat, using a hat and staying in a shady or cool place. Symptoms include headache, nausea and fatigue after exposure to heat. Extreme hyperthermia, called heat stroke, is life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. Indications include confusion, rapid pulse, flushed skin, lack of sweating, dizziness, staggering and aggression.