Amputee Life

Working out as a new below-the-knee (BK) amputee can be challenging. You're not sure what to expect from your prosthesis yet, and some moves can be difficult to modify for those days when you can’t tolerate your prosthesis. And there’s the added challenge of learning how to move correctly—without injuring yourself—with your new prosthesis. It's a good thing that you can download a workout app designed for unilateral BK amputees—Fitness for Amputees.

For those who had ample time to prepare for their amputation surgery, one of the frequently asked questions is about residual limb and phantom limb pain—what to expect and how to manage it. Today, those who are considering an elective amputation have more pain control options, including peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS).

Getting back on track with your healthy habits after indulging a bit during the holidays can be challenging. And winter’s cold winds don’t make it easier. But that doesn’t mean that we’re doomed to feel sluggish until spring. Here are a few strategies you can do now to reboot your body and hit the ground running this new year.

Being treated at home—not at a traditional hospital—is proving to be a viable option. A recent study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine found that patients treated at home tend to get better faster and even save money compared to those who check into a hospital.

The holidays are a time for merry-making—but it can also be a time of high stress and, for some, loneliness. Those who may be experiencing the latter, grief over the loss of a loved one, or coping with limb loss can experience heightened isolation and sadness during the holidays.