April is Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month: Here’s How We’re Honoring It

5.6 million individuals in the U.S. experience limb loss or limb difference. It's likely you'll meet someone who is navigating this challenging path. In recognition of Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month, familiarize yourself with the facts to be better prepared to offer support, compassion, and hope to those who need it most.

Understanding Limb Differences

Although limb loss is usually due to external causes, numerous individuals are born with limb differences. According to the CDC, it is estimated that annually, 1,900 babies in the U.S. are born with a difference in their upper or lower limbs, and some may have both.

The cause of congenital limb differences is not definitively known, but researchers believe that some instances may be due to amniotic band syndrome. This condition involves the amniotic fluid in the womb disrupting limb development.

Common Causes of Limb Loss

There are three primary causes of limb loss, with the most prevalent being vascular disease, impacting 54% of those affected. Vascular disease encompasses conditions like diabetes, peripheral arterial disease (PAD), and blood clots, all of which can lead to inadequate blood circulation in the limbs. This poor circulation can cause pain, tissue damage, and non-healing wounds, potentially leading to amputation over time. Black Americans have up to four times the likelihood of undergoing amputation compared to white Americans due to a higher risk of diabetes and PAD.

Trauma is a frequent cause of limb loss, impacting approximately 45% of amputees. It results from traumatic accidents or injuries, such as motor vehicle accidents, workplace incidents, sports injuries, and military wounds, among others.

Cancer ranks as the third leading cause of limb loss, impacting fewer than 2% of individuals who have experienced amputation. When bone or cartilage tumors fail to respond to treatment, it may become necessary to remove the limb.

Limb loss is more prevalent than many realize. The Amputee Coalition reports that around 185,000 amputations happen annually in the United States, with an astonishing 500,000 new instances of limb loss and limb difference each year.

Embracing Life and Overcoming Obstacles

For numerous individuals experiencing limb loss, and the path to exploring new possibilities can be challenging. There are distinct obstacles that many in the community encounter, such as depression, which affects 36% of those living with limb loss, and financial difficulties, with lifetime healthcare expenses being roughly $150,000 more than for those without limb loss.

The encouraging news is that obtaining a prosthesis can alleviate some of these difficulties. Recent studies indicate that prosthetic rehabilitation enhances quality of life, mobility, and satisfaction, and it can significantly lower overall direct healthcare expenses if a prosthesis is received within 0-3 months after amputation. Integrity offers a range of custom prosthetic solutions to assist individuals with varying degrees of limb loss and limb difference in achieving their goals and improving their outcomes.

Research indicates that the best method for individuals to adapt to life after limb loss involves education and emotional support from peers who have successfully navigated life post-amputation. Peer visitors are particularly suited to assist amputees in managing because they possess personal experience in overcoming negative emotions during their recovery and rehabilitation. Notably, 92% of patients reported that a peer visit significantly enhanced their perspective.6

There are a variety of local events where you can meet people with limb loss and limb difference in your community in addition to nationwide educational and peer support events and social media groups. This provides opportunities to learn from world-class prosthetists and peers thriving with prosthetic technology.

It's crucial to remember that with hope, determination, a supportive network, and skilled, compassionate providers by your side, anything is achievable.

We are here to support you or a loved one. Let's connect!

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