In the United States, there are over 185,000 amputations every year, and by 2050, it’s estimated that approximately 3.6 million Americans will be living with limb loss. Vascular diseases such as peripheral arterial disease, diabetes, and blood clots can result in limb loss, as can trauma and cancer.

Losing a limb poses a problem for many people, but it’s a problem that doesn’t have to be insurmountable. With physical therapy, modern prosthetics, and support from friends and family members, amputees can live full and productive lives. To make more people aware of this fact, April was designated as Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month.

The History of Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month

Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month was created in 2010 by the Amputee Coalition. The purpose of this month is to give the amputee and limb difference community a way to make their concerns known, to raise the public’s awareness about limb loss and difference, and to give them a voice. It’s also a month for people to support limb loss and difference advocacy.

Limb Loss Facts & Statistics

As we researched Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month, we stumbled across some statistics and facts that we think people might find useful as they observe this holiday month. With that being said, let’s take a quick look at the following facts.

• In the U.S., there are over 2 million people living with limb loss.
• Every day, approximately 500 amputations are performed in the U.S.
• In the wars of Iraq and Afghanistan, over 1,500 military personnel lost a limb.
• Approximately 85% of limb amputations are preceded by an ulcer on the foot.
• About a third of people with limb loss suffer from anxiety or depression.
• African Americans are four times more likely to suffer an amputation than White Americans.
• Between 1987 and 2010, the number of amputations caused by diabetes increased by almost 25%.
• Every 30 seconds, an amputation is performed somewhere in the world. That means there are 1 million amputations performed globally every year.

Observing Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month

This month is observed by different people in different ways. For amputees, it’s a month to share their experiences to inspire other people to overcome their disabilities. It’s also a month for amputees to offer support to their peers.

Other ways to observe this month include supporting those who have lost limbs or have a limb difference, and by spreading the word about this month online using the hashtag #LLLDAM.