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After an amputation, a period of intensive recovery begins. At Amputee Care Center, we see that many people experience something unexpected during this period, namely phantom pain. This is pain in a body part that is no longer there, something that is very strange at first. What you feel with phantom pain is sometimes difficult to explain to others and can be difficult to deal with.
At Amputee Care Center by Spronken, we are happy to tell you more about what phantom pain is exactly and what you can do about it. Please feel free to contact us for a free, no-obligation introductory meeting so that we can discuss your personal situation in detail.
Contact us by completing the Contact Form or by calling +32 (0)470 500 888.
We are at your service.
Phantom pain is pain that you feel in an amputated limb. Even though the limb is no longer physically present, the nerves and brain continue to send signals that you experience as pain. The pain is therefore real and can feel like stinging, burning, electric shocks, cramps or a pressing sensation.
It is important to know that phantom pain is different from phantom sensations, such as tingling, itching or the feeling that a hand or foot is still there. Phantom sensations can be disturbing, but they are not painful. However, they both originate from the same neurological process.
Although not every amputee at Amputee Care Center suffers from phantom pain, it is certainly not uncommon. Up to 80% of people with an amputation experience some form of phantom pain to a greater or lesser extent. Sometimes this starts shortly after the operation, but it can also develop over a period of weeks or even months.
Sometimes phantom pain disappears on its own, but it can also remain chronic. However, the intensity and frequency vary greatly from person to person.
Do you suffer from phantom pain and would you like to know more about what you can do about it? Please contact the experts at the Amputee Care Centre for a free, no-obligation introductory consultation.
The cause of phantom pain does not lie in the stump itself, but in the nervous system of the brain. There are a number of different causes for phantom pain, including:
Stress, anxiety and unprocessed emotions can influence and intensify phantom pain. Phantom pain is therefore not only physical, but also psychological. A multidisciplinary approach, such as that of the Amputee Care Center, where we also offer psychological support for amputees, is therefore most effective after an amputation.
Fantoompijn kan in principe iedereen met een amputatie treffen. Er kan voorafgaand aan de amputatie niet gezegd worden of het jou wel of niet zal overkomen. Er zijn echter wel risicofactoren die de kans op fantoompijn verhogen, zoals:
Good preparation and follow-up after amputation can significantly reduce the risk of phantom pain. At Amputee Care Center, we therefore always recommend that you contact us as early as possible, preferably before the amputation operation.
There is no standard solution for phantom pain; what works varies from person to person, but there are treatment options available. At Amputee Care Center, we often combine a number of techniques tailored to your body and lifestyle. The most effective treatment for phantom pain usually includes:
A well-fitting prosthesis provides greater mobility. This helps your brain to process correct sensory input again. The “brain maps” gradually adapt by providing the right stimuli via the stump and prosthesis. We often see that this reduces the intensity of phantom pain.
A good prosthesis also improves your posture and blood circulation, which also has a positive effect on your nervous system.
Clinical hypnosis is a safe and scientifically proven method for influencing the way your brain experiences pain. Through deep relaxation techniques and targeted suggestions, you learn to perceive pain differently. At ACC, we work with specialised hypnotists as part of our multidisciplinary approach.
An innovative and practical solution for phantom pain is customised stump socks with silver thread. These reduce nerve activity, dissipate static charge and provide thermal and antibacterial comfort. At ACC, we always measure them to size so that they fit your prosthesis and skin perfectly.
A simple but highly effective exercise for phantom pain is to use a mirror in which you “see” your other limb in the place of the amputated part. This teaches your brain what is and is not there, which can reduce the pain. Mirror therapy is often used in early rehabilitation, but can also be useful in the long term.
A simple but highly effective exercise for phantom pain is to use a mirror in which you “see” your other limb in place of the amputated part. This teaches your brain what is and is not there, which can reduce the pain. Mirror therapy is often used in early rehabilitation, but can also be useful in the long term.
This involves applying mild electrical stimuli to the skin via electrodes using a small device. These stimulate the nerves in the stump and partially block the pain signals. TENS is painless, relatively easy to use, and can often be combined with other forms of therapy.
Although traditional painkillers rarely work for phantom pain, other medications are sometimes prescribed. These include drugs for nerve pain, such as amitriptyline, gabapentin or pregabalin. In severe cases, opioids may also be considered, but this requires strict medical supervision.
Phantom pain can be very difficult to cope with mentally. Talking to a psychologist or coach can sometimes help. Talking can sometimes work wonders. Therapy such as cognitive behavioural therapy or EMDR can really help you, especially with stress reduction and processing emotions and grief.
Phantom pain is very complex, but that doesn't mean there's nothing you can do. Small actions can make a big difference, such as:
We work with a multidisciplinary team of prosthetists, doctors, physiotherapists, psychologists and pain specialists who work with you to map out a treatment plan. Thanks to the latest technologies, such as neuromodulation, 3D-printed prostheses and sensor technology, we can deliver truly customised solutions better than ever before!
Our support does not stop with your prosthesis. We remain involved in your recovery, so that you can gradually regain confidence in your body and your future. Please do not hesitate to contact us for a free, no-obligation introductory meeting or a second opinion!
Contact us by completing the Contact Form or by calling +32 (0)470 500 888.
We are at your service.
The pain may be invisible in phantom pain, but your experience certainly isn't. At Amputee Care Center, we take you and your story seriously. We listen, guide and provide concrete solutions that work in your situation. You are very welcome!
Life does not stop after an amputation. It changes. And you grow with it!
With the right guidance, without unnecessary pain.
No, definitely not. Phantom pain is a real and recognised form of pain. Although it seems very strange to feel pain in a part of the body that is no longer there, it is not imaginary pain. Phantom pain is caused by changes in the nervous system and brain after an amputation.
No. There is no guaranteed way to prevent phantom pain. However, early pain treatment, good wound care and a multidisciplinary approach, such as that of the Amputee Care Center in Genk (Belgium), can reduce the risk.
Yes, we strongly recommend it! Phantom pain is treatable, and it is important to keep your practitioners informed. This applies to your prosthetists at the Amputee Care Center, but also to your doctor. Together, we can find the most suitable approach for your situation.
Yes, wearing a prosthesis can affect phantom pain. In some people, the pain is reduced because the brain receives input from the “missing” body part again. In others, wearing the prosthesis can cause irritation or pain, especially if the stump is hypersensitive or does not fit properly. Treatment and a custom-made prosthesis are therefore crucial.
Yes. Severe or chronic phantom pain can make it difficult to use a prosthesis. This can be caused by anxiety, overexertion or increased muscle tension, for example. It is important to discuss this with your rehabilitation team at the Amputee Care Center.
Sometimes. A well-fitting and comfortable prosthesis can send positive signals to the brain. This can sometimes relieve phantom pain. This is especially true when the prosthesis is actively used in daily life.
Spronken is a NEN-EN-ISO 13485-certified supplier of orthopaedic equipment. Over the past 60 years, Spronken has grown into one of the largest companies in the fields of orthoses, prostheses, mobility and state-of-the-art rehabilitation equipment in Europe.
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