After surgery your residual limb will be covered in a cast or soft bandage. This bandage is designed to keep the wound clean and dry. It can also help prevent swelling in the residual limb. The bandage will need to be changed frequently by your doctor. Sometimes a family member will be taught how to change the dressing so you can change it at home. Do your best to protect your cast or bandage. This will mean you'll need to keep it out of the shower when you bathe. Sometimes it is helpful to use a stool in the shower (with rubber grips!) to help you wash comfortably.

Your doctor will help you develop and practice a physical therapy plan. Your first sessions will most likely begin while you are still in the hospital. Once the residual limb has recovered from the surgery, you will begin a process called desensitization. Desensitization helps prepare your residual limb for the prosthesis. It can also help you to manage symptoms of phantom limb. Your doctor will show you how to massage and tape your residual limb. Once the wound has completely healed, you will begin another therapeutic process known as scar massage.

You should be extremely vigilant when it comes to caring for your residual limb. Look for these warning signs: Pus or clear drainage coming from the wound; red or swollen skin around the wound area; skin around the wound area that is abnormally hot to the touch; a foul smell coming from the area of the womb; a bandage that falls off prematurely; the wound reopening; severe pain or tenderness in your residual limb; the development of a fever of 100.4? F or higher. Consult your surgeon or doctor immediately if you think there may be an infection or medical complication.

It may take you awhile to regain mobility using crutches or other walking aids. In the meantime, don't forget about your healthy limb! Exercises can help keep your remaining leg in shape. Invest in an athletic or orthopedic shoe that will provide your foot with extra support and protect it from injury. If your amputation was related to diabetes, you should check your remaining foot daily for signs of infection. Even seemingly minor foot injuries such as calluses, corns, bunions, blisters, hammertoe and claw toe can lead to foot ulcers. Ask a friend, family member or even your doctor to help you with the inspection process, if you are unable to do it yourself.