An amputation is surgery to remove part of the arm, hand, leg, or foot. After surgery, your child will need support while they heal at home.
What to expect after amputation
After surgery, your child may have:
Pain and swelling at the surgery site
Numbness or tingling as nerves heal
Tiredness while the body heals
Phantom limb feelings where the removed limb feels like it is still there. This is normal and improves with time.
After surgery, your child will have a shorter part of the limb (residual limb). They will also have an incision (cut) that is closed with staples or stitches where part of the limb was removed.
The incision may look thick or raised at first. This is normal and will improve over time.
Before you go home, you will learn how to care for the incision and what to watch for. Always follow your care team’s instructions for wound care.
Leave the dressing in place until the care team tells you to change it.
Change the dressing as instructed by your care team.
Keep the skin around the incision clean and dry.
Do not soak the incision in water. Avoid baths, pools, and hot tubs until your care team says it is safe.
Showering is OK if the care team says it is safe. When showering, let water run over the incision. Do not scrub.
Gently pat the area around the incision. Do not rub.
Do not put any creams, ointments, or other products on the incision, unless your care provider tells you to. These products can irritate the skin and slow healing.
Clean and protect the skin
To help protect the skin and prevent irritation:
Check the skin every day for redness or pressure injuries where devices or compression bandages touch.
Keep the incision out of the sun for 6 to 12 months. This helps reduce scarring.
Do not shave the skin near the incision.
Do not use lotions or powders near the incision.
Keep nails trimmed and clean to avoid scratches.
Reduce swelling
Swelling is normal after amputation. The body sends fluid and immune cells to the area to help with healing. Swelling may change based on how your child:
Moves around or is active
Drinks fluids
Eats salty foods
Changes in the weather can also affect swelling.
Managing swelling is important, especially if your child will get a prosthesis (artificial limb). Less swelling helps shape the remaining limb so the prosthesis fits better. A prosthetist (a specialist in fitting artificial limbs) will help with this process.
To help reduce swelling:
Keep the limb elevated when possible.
Apply an ice pack to the area for 10-15 minutes, or as directed. Wrap the pack in a cloth or towel to protect the skin.
Use an elastic bandage or a shrinker sock (compression sock) to help move fluid away from the area. The prosthetist will provide and fit the shrinker.
Do not change the type or tightness of compression without help from your care team.
Always follow the instructions given by your care team. Contact your care team if swelling gets worse or does not get better.
Manage pain
Your child may experience different types of pain after surgery. Your child may have some pain or discomfort around the surgery site. After amputation, your child may also have:
Remaining (residual) limb pain: sharp bone pain, nerve pain that may feel like an electric shock, and skin and muscle pain
Phantom limb pain: burning, tingling, itching, cramping, or a feeling of movement from the missing limb
If your child has pain, tell your care team. They may prescribe pain medicine or other therapies to help with pain management.
It is very important to give pain medicines as instructed by your care team.
In addition to medicine, other pain management strategies may help, such as:
Distraction, such as listening to music or playing games
Rest after activity
Mirror therapy to help with phantom limb pain
Mirror therapy is a type of rehab that uses a mirror to make your brain see an intact reflection of your other leg. This can help reduce and even relieve phantom limb pain. Your PT will provide and teach you how to perform mirror therapy.
Support activity after amputation
Your child will need rehabilitation after surgery. They may need help with activities of daily living (ADLs), such as bathing, dressing, toileting, and moving.
These professionals may also prepare your child to use a prosthesis (artificial limb).
Your child may be more tired than usual after surgery. This is normal. Talk with your care team about which activities are safe.
Your care team can help you create a plan for your child to return to normal activities gradually. Encourage your child to do any exercises, stretches, or therapies recommended by the care team.
Follow‑up care after amputation
Follow-up care is an important part of recovery after surgery. These visits help your care team check healing, adjust treatment, and plan for prosthetics if needed. PT and OT remain important, even after your child feels better.
During follow-up visits, the care team will:
Check the incision
Review your child’s medicines
Plan for prosthetic fitting
You will work closely with the prosthetist in the weeks to months after amputation. They will measure and fit your child for their prosthesis. You will also follow up with your prosthetist for tune-ups and adjustments as your child heals and grows.
After amputation, a prosthetist will measure, fit, and adjust your child’s prosthesis (artificial limb) as they heal.
Tips for healing after amputation
After surgery, daily care helps protect healing and prevent stiffness. Always follow the instructions given by your care team.
After upper body amputation
Do gentle range of motion and other therapy exercises as instructed.
Avoid holding the arm in one position for a long time.
Avoid tight slings unless prescribed, as these can cause stiffness.
If instructed to elevate the arm, support the arm on pillows while seated.
After the incision heals, your team may teach gentle massage or tapping of the skin to reduce sensitivity and scar tightness.
After lower body amputation
Change positions often. Have your child shift their weight to protect their skin, especially when using a wheelchair or after sitting for long periods.
Prevent hip and knee stiffness:
Have your child spend some time lying on their stomach for short periods during the day. This helps stretch the back and hips.
Do not place pillows under the hip or knee when sitting or lying down, unless instructed.
Only let your child put their weight on the limb when the care team says it is safe.
Take steps to prevent falls: Keep walkways clear. Have your child wear non-slip shoes and use assistive devices as instructed.
Coping with changes after amputation
Healing takes time. With support, your child can learn new ways to take care of themselves and do daily activities. Practice can help your child feel more comfortable and independent.
Your child may have different feelings about how their body looks or moves after surgery. This is completely normal. They might feel sad, angry, or frustrated, especially if they give up a sport or activity they enjoyed.
Here are some ways to help your child cope:
Encourage your child to talk about their feelings — it’s okay to be upset, worried, or angry.
It can sometimes help to connect with other kids who have had similar surgery to help them feel less alone.
Be patient and supportive. Celebrate small wins, like getting stronger, moving more easily, or returning to school.
Focus on what your child can do, not just what they can’t or what has changed. They may find new hobbies or activities they enjoy. Over time, your child may even return to sports or activities they love, sometimes in new ways.
It may also help your child connect with other children who have had an amputation. Ask your care team about programs for children and families with similar experiences.
If your child’s feelings become intense or interfere with daily life, talk to your care team. You can get support from child life, psychology, or social work providers.
When to call your care team
Seek medical care if your child:
Has a fever or has warmth, swelling, redness, or discharge around the incision
Injures the limb that had surgery
Has more pain than usual, or pain is hard to manage
Has trouble moving, bending, or using the limb, or if the limb becomes discolored
Questions to ask your care team
How should I care for the incision at home?
What are the signs of infection and problems?
What are the treatments for pain and phantom limb pain?
Which positions prevent stiffness?
When can my child return to school or activities?
What activities will my child be able to do when they are healed?
When will prosthetic fitting and training begin?
When should I contact my care team?
Key points for care at home after amputation
An amputation is surgery to remove part of the arm, hand, leg, or foot.
After surgery, your child will need support while they heal at home.
Your child may have pain, swelling, tiredness, or phantom limb feelings. These are common and usually get better as healing continues.
Keep the incision clean and dry and follow all wound care instructions from your care team.
Give medicines and comfort measures as directed to help control pain.
Therapy and safe activity help your child move safely, build strength, and gain independence.
You will work closely with the prosthetist in the weeks to months after amputation. They will measure, fit, and adjust your child’s prosthesis (artificial limb) as your child heals and grows.
Regular follow-up visits, family support, and help from child life specialists or mental health providers can support healing and recovery.
Children with serious illnesses may need physical therapy, occupational therapy, audiology, and speech-language therapy. Learn about rehabilitation services.
A prosthetic leg is an artificial limb your child can wear after amputation. Learn what to expect when your child uses a prosthetic leg, including recovery after amputation.
