Arise and shine Home Based Occupational Therapy services

26/08/2025

Amputation is the surgical removal of a limb or part of a limb (such as a leg, arm, foot, hand, toe, or finger). It is usually done when tissue is severely damaged or diseased and cannot be saved.

Common Indications (Why Amputation Is Done)
– Severe trauma or injury (e.g. accidents, crush injuries)
– Poor blood circulation (especially due to diabetes or peripheral artery disease)
– Severe infections (e.g. gangrene, necrotizing fasciitis)
– Cancerous tumors in bones or soft tissues
– Congenital limb defects (rare)
– Frostbite or burns that destroy tissues beyond repair

Types of Amputation
Type Description
Above-knee amputation (AKA) Limb removed above the knee joint
Below-knee amputation (BKA) Limb removed below the knee joint
Above-elbow amputation Removal above the elbow
Below-elbow amputation Removal below the elbow
Digit amputation Removal of fingers or toes
Disarticulation Amputation through a joint

Procedure Overview
Pre-op care: Informed consent, pain management, and psychological preparation

Surgery: Removal of the affected part, shaping of the remaining stump, and closure

Post-op care: Pain control, infection prevention, and wound care

Complications
– Phantom limb pain (feeling the limb is still there)
– Infection
– Poor healing or stump necrosis
– Blood clots
– Psychological effects (depression, grief, body image concerns)
– Contractures or joint stiffness

Rehabilitation and Care
– Wound care and monitoring for infection
– Stump care (daily cleaning, bandaging, and shaping for prosthesis use)
– Pain management
– Physical therapy: To strengthen muscles and teach mobility with or without a prosthesis
– Psychological support and counseling
– Prosthetic fitting: Artificial limbs help restore function and independence

Nursing Role
– Monitor vital signs, pain, and signs of infection
– Provide emotional support
– Educate on stump care and prosthesis use
– Prevent pressure sores and contractures
– Encourage early ambulation and rehabilitation goals.

06/08/2025

14/07/2025

17/06/2025

Pitting edema is a type of swelling that occurs when excess fluid builds up in the tissues, usually in the lower extremities (like the legs, ankles, or feet). When pressure is applied to the swollen area (typically with a finger), it leaves an indentation or “pit” that takes time to return to normal hence the name “pitting.”

16/06/2025

𝐔𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝟓 𝐓𝐲𝐩𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐃𝐢𝐚𝐛𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐬

Diabetes is a chronic metabolic condition characterized by problems in insulin function, leading to elevated blood sugar levels. While many are familiar with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, research now identifies five distinct forms:

1️⃣ 𝙏𝙮𝙥𝙚 1 𝘿𝙞𝙖𝙗𝙚𝙩𝙚𝙨
An autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks insulin-producing cells. Requires lifelong insulin therapy. Triggered by genetic and environmental factors.

2️⃣ 𝙏𝙮𝙥𝙚 2 𝘿𝙞𝙖𝙗𝙚𝙩𝙚𝙨
The most common type, caused by insulin resistance and reduced insulin production. Strongly linked to lifestyle, obesity, and genetics. Managed through diet, exercise, and medication.

3️⃣ 𝐆𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐃𝐢𝐚𝐛𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐬
Occurs during pregnancy due to hormonal shifts. Typically resolves after childbirth but increases the mother’s risk of developing Type 2 diabetes later.

4️⃣ 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐜 𝐃𝐢𝐚𝐛𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐬
A rare, inherited form (e.g., MODY and Neonatal Diabetes). Some cases can be controlled without insulin, depending on the specific gene affected.

5️⃣ 𝑻𝒚𝒑𝒆 5 𝑫𝒊𝒂𝒃𝒆𝒕𝒆𝒔 (𝑹𝒆𝒄𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒍𝒚 𝑰𝒅𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒇𝒊𝒆𝒅)
Affects underweight individuals with no family history. Characterized by insulin deficiency without resistance. Emerging research points to malnutrition as a potential factor.

🔍 Understanding these subtypes helps in tailoring more effective treatment and prevention strategies.

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