What you may feel
- Pain felt in a foot, hand or other part that is no longer present.
- The missing part may seem to burn, squeeze or cramp.
- Brief waves of electric-shock-like pain may occur.
- Pain may come in attacks or last longer.
- A non-painful missing-limb sensation is not itself phantom pain.
How it is assessed
Assessment reviews attacks and the residual limb because local problems can coexist.
Bring the operation or injury date, discharge information and recovery history. Explain whether pain is new, worsening or gradually improving.
Approaches to care
Individual care may include pain management and selected rehabilitation methods such as mirror therapy. Response varies between people.
Coordinate the next steps with your surgeon’s restrictions. Record activities you can now manage and symptoms that still limit recovery.
When to seek urgent help
Wound redness or discharge, fever, rapidly worsening pain or new weakness need prompt assessment. Sudden breathlessness or chest pain requires emergency care.
Further reading: University Hospitals Sussex NHS
This is educational information and does not replace an individual medical assessment. Similar symptoms alone do not establish a diagnosis.