Limb Loss—Foot Injuries and Disorders

Each of your feet has 26 bones, 33 joints, and more than 100 tendons, muscles, and ligaments. No wonder a lot of things can go wrong. Here are a few common problems:

Bunions – hard, painful bumps on the big toe joint
Corns and calluses – thickened skin from friction or pressure
Plantar warts – warts on the soles of your feet
Fallen arches – also called flat feet

Ill-fitting shoes often cause these problems. Aging and being overweight also increase your chances of having foot problems.

Claw foot (Medical Encyclopedia)
Clubfoot (Medical Encyclopedia)
Common peroneal nerve dysfunction (Medical Encyclopedia)
Extremity x-ray (Medical Encyclopedia)
Flat feet (Medical Encyclopedia)
Foot pain (Medical Encyclopedia)
Foot sprain – aftercare (Medical Encyclopedia)
Foot, leg, and ankle swelling (Medical Encyclopedia)
Hand or foot spasms (Medical Encyclopedia)
High arch (Medical Encyclopedia)
Metatarsal fracture (acute) – aftercare (Medical Encyclopedia)
Metatarsal stress fractures – aftercare (Medical Encyclopedia)
Metatarsus adductus (Medical Encyclopedia)
Morton neuroma (Medical Encyclopedia)

People can lose all or part of an arm or leg for a number of reasons. Common ones include

Problems with blood circulation. These may be the result of atherosclerosis or diabetes. Severe cases may result in amputation.
Injuries, including from traffic accidents and military combat
Cancer
Birth defects

Some amputees have phantom pain, which is the feeling of pain in the missing limb. Other physical problems include surgical complications and skin problems, if you wear an artificial limb. Many amputees use an artificial limb. Learning how to use it takes time. Physical therapy can help you adapt.

Recovery from the loss of a limb can be hard. Sadness, anger, and frustration are common. If you are having a tough time, talk to your doctor. Treatment with medicine or counseling can help.