Recovering After Lower Limb Amputation

Your rehabilitation

Your rehabilitation starts right after surgery. Rehabilitation is different for everyone, and it may involve many different members of your healthcare team. You have an important part in the rehab process. Your rehab starts in the hospital and continues when you are home.

During your recovery, it will be important to:

control any swelling in the part of the limb that remains after surgery (sometimes called the residual limb)
prevent stiffness and loss of movement of the limb
build muscle strength
learn how to do regular daily activities with or without your new prosthesis such as bathing and dressing
learn how to adjust to life after amputation

Your healthcare team will talk with you about your options for rehab as well as what you can expect after the surgery. They will also talk with you about getting a prosthesis (artificial leg) once your limb has healed, and what to expect.

Current as of: April 15, 2024

Author: Allied Health, Alberta Health Services

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This material is not a substitute for the advice of a qualified health professional. This material is intended for general information only and is provided on an "as is", "where is" basis. Although reasonable efforts were made to confirm the accuracy of the information, Alberta Health Services does not make any representation or warranty, express, implied or statutory, as to the accuracy, reliability, completeness, applicability or fitness for a particular purpose of such information. Alberta Health Services expressly disclaims all liability for the use of these materials, and for any claims, actions, demands or suits arising from such use.

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