Falls information for amputees | North Bristol NHS Trust

Introduction

Falls are common in people who have had an amputation. A fall can cause you to hurt your residual limb (stump) and affect your confidence. This information explains:

Why falls can happen.
How to stop falls.
What to do if you fall.

Why falls happen

Here are some of the most common reasons for falling:

Phantom limb sensations - you may feel like your missing limb is still there, this can make you try to stand on it, especially at night when you are sleepy.
Balance changes - losing a limb affects your balance, even if you wear a prosthetic leg.
Weak muscles - if you have been unwell or in hospital for a long time, your muscles may be weak. This can make you less steady.
Vascular disease - some people have reduced feeling in their legs or feet. This can make it harder to feel the floor.
Things around you - rugs, cables, furniture or using your wheelchair incorrectly can all cause trips or slips.

How to prevent falls

Here are some ways to help you feel safe:

Remember that phantom limb sensations can make you try to stand on a leg that is not there.
Drink plenty of water. Keep alcohol low (the NHS advises no more than 14 units a week).
Stay active to keep muscles strong. Do the exercises your physiotherapist gave you. If you need more help, speak to your GP about physiotherapy.
Tell your GP if you think you have hearing problems. Good hearing helps with balance.
Ask your GP to check your medication, especially if you feel dizzy when you stand up.
Keep items you use often within easy reach.
If you notice pain or changes to your skin after a fall, contact your GP

Walking aids

Check your walking aids often. The rubber ends (ferules) should have grooves. Smooth ferules can make you slip. Check them every 3 months.
Only use your own walking aid.

Wheelchair use

Keep your wheelchair close by at night if you need it.
Always put the brakes on before you get in or out.
Move footplates and stump boards out of the way when you transfer.
Contact wheelchair services if you need repairs or have safety concerns.

Prosthetics

If you have any problems with your prosthetic limb, call your prosthetist for advice.

Footwear

Wear shoes or slippers that fit well, support your feet, and have non-slip soles.
If you wear a prosthesis, make sure you also wear a shoe or slipper with it. Speak to your prosthetist if it does not feel right.

Your environment

Think about having a pendant alarm or keeping your mobile phone with you in case you fall.
Keep cushions or blankets at floor level so you can stay warm if you fall.
Make sure your home has good lighting.
Clear away any clutter.

What to do if you fall

Don’t panic! Stay calm

Get help: shout, bang on a wall, use your pendant alarm or call someone.
Keep warm: cover yourself with clothes or a blanket.
Get comfortable: place a cushion or rolled-up clothing under your head.
Keep moving a little: roll or change position to protect your skin, unless you think you are injured.

If you are not hurt and you can get up safely, do so in the easiest way for you.

How to get up from the floor

This can work for any level of amputation.

Place a stool, step or cushion in front of a solid chair(one that will not move).
Sit on the floor with your bottom in front of the stool or step.
Bend your remaining leg (if you can) and put your foot flat on the floor.
Put your hands on the stool or step behind you.
Push with your leg and your hands to lift your bottom onto the stool or step.
Use the same method to move from the stool/step up onto the chair.

You can do this in stages or all in one go, depending on your strength.