How to Deal With Pain From a Below the Knee Amputation
Pain experienced after a below the knee amputation is known as phantom pain according to the National Institute of Health. The pain is caused by sensations in the brain and spinal cord making it feel as though pain is still coming from the missing limb. Pain may feel like a burning, aching and cramp feeling. You may feel as though sharp pains are shooting through the amputated part of your leg. There are ways to deal with phantom pain from a below the knee amputation.
Things You'll Need
- Medications
- Non-invasive therapy
- Warmth therapy
- Exercise
- Relaxation tapes
Instructions
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Take over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen for mild pain relief. Ask your doctor about short-term narcotic medications for severe phantom pain. Your doctor may recommend anticonvulsant drugs, such as gabapentin. These drugs interrupt pain signals being sent to the brain. Take tricyclic antidepressants such as amitriptyline to help you sleep better.
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Talk to your doctor about nerve stimulation for phantom pain in your leg. A TENS unit is a portable device that delivers tiny electrical currents into your body via small electrodes placed on the end of your amputated limb. Place electrodes on the skin and turn unit on. Turn unit to the lowest frequency and increase slowly till pain is gone. Consult with your doctor on how often you may use the TENS unit.
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Take warm baths to sooth the amputated part of your leg. Keep the amputated part of your leg warm with heavy blankets. Warmth soothes and relaxes your muscles in the upper part of your leg reducing pain.
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Exercise your leg. Talk to your doctor about exercises you can do with your amputated leg that strengthens and reduces phantom pain.
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Listen to relaxation tapes. Relax your mind with visualization or deep breathing exercises. Read books or listen to music. Distractions such as these takes your mind off phantom pain.
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Tips & Warnings
Try rubbing the leg gently above the amputated part of your leg to increase circulation. Get in touch with a support group with other amputees so you may discuss your situation with other people going through the same situation.
Take narcotic medications only as your doctor has ordered. Do not take more than the recommended dose, as doing so may result in an overdose. Take only as needed to reduce the risk for dependence.
