What is the physiotherapy treatment for below knee amputation?
If the patient was older with diabetes some of this work would be too much so it would be decided if the patient wanted to walk again or live in a wheel chair. Healing of the incision would be more of an issue and maintaining the stump would also be an issue. Much more patient eduction is needed. The patient may be taught all the same things but in a less aggressive fashion. If the patient was to live in a wheelchair then pressure relief and positioning would be an important part of the rehabilitaton. Some treatment for phantom pain may also be needed. The patient will need to practise such things as getting into and out of bed, on and off toilet etc. With older patients the relatives also need teaching and sometimes have to help with putting on the leg or helpng the patient transfer get in and out of car, in and out of a bathtub and even change dressings.
