Amputation Causes, Causes for Amputation, Reasons to Amputate

Amputation is the removal of a limb or part of a limb that is causing great pain and threatens your health because of extensive infection or gangrene. Typically, this surgical procedure is performed on a toe, foot, leg or arm. It is the treatment of last resort.

The most common cause for amputation is because of peripheral arterial disease. This disease causes blood vessels in your limbs to become damaged due to hardening of your arteries or diabetes.

Because your cells depend on a continuous fresh supply of oxygen and nutrients delivered via your blood, compromised blood vessels can result in extensive tissue death and an infection vulnerability consequence. Especially at your limb ends.

The underlying reason to amputate is usually a result of other health conditions. Most who require an amputation may have:

Normally, other treatment methods are used in attempt to save a limb, like:

  • controlling infection using antibiotics
  • draining or removal of any infected tissue
  • procedures to increase blood flow to affected area

However, if these treatments fail, amputation may be necessary to save your life.

if you have peripheral arterial disease, an amputated body part does nothing about future plaque build up in your remaining arteries.

Regular exercise, consuming a healthy diet and proper weight maintenance helps prevent further peripheral tissue damage. Just consider this a healthy limb preserving way of life.