Phantom Limb Pain

    Patient's with  Phantom limb pain are often referred to pain management specialists for treatment of their symptoms.   According to the August 5, 1999 report from Northwestern University , Elderly Americans today face an increased risk of having a leg or foot amputated.  The number of amputations has risen because of the prevalence of diabetes which increases the risk of vascular disease and diabetes-related complications such as leg ulcers, according to a study funded by the U.S. Agency for Health Care Policy and Research.

    The number had declined in the mid 1980's due to endovascular stents, thrombolytic therapy, new imaging techniques and improved antibiotics as well as declining rates of hypertension, ischemic heart disease and smoking.  Rates flattened out and started rising by the mid-1990's because of diabetes.  By 1996 the number of above and below-knee amputations rose by 11% to 76,000.  Between 40-60% were attributed to diabetes mellitus, with men having 70% higher rate of above-knee and a 45%higher rate of below-the-knee amputations than women.

Phantom Limb pain is a serious affliction associated with amputations.

To learn more about amputations please write, call or visit the Amputee Coalition at the following addresses .

Amputee Coalition of America
National Limb Loss Information Center
900 East Hill Avenue Suite 285
Knoxville, TN 37915
1-888-AMP-KNOW x 8115
www.amputee-coalition.org