Limb Loss and Amputation
Musculoskeletal Injuries
Musculoskeletal injuries are damage to muscles, tendons, ligaments, and bones. They are common for veterans and active military personnel and are often directly tied to the physical demands of service, including high-impact training, operational deployments, and repetitive strain.
These injuries may develop suddenly through trauma or gradually through overuse. Without quick and appropriate intervention, they can limit mobility, reduce quality of life, and contribute to long-term health issues post-discharge.
Injury Scope & Relevance to Veterans
Area Affected | Example Conditions |
Bones | Fractures, stress fractures |
Muscles | Strains, tears |
Tendons/Ligaments | Sprains, tendinitis |
Joints | Dislocations, instability |
Typical Musculoskeletal Causes and Risk Factors
Musculoskeletal injuries can arise from various service-related activities, including training routines, operational deployments, and physically demanding roles. For military personnel, the repetitive physical stress and frequent exposure to high-risk environments make these injuries both common and complex.
Several factors contribute to the development of these injuries, ranging from acute trauma to prolonged strain.
Key Causes of Musculoskeletal Injuries
- Trauma: Sudden force, such as falls, impacts, or battlefield injuries, can lead to fractures, sprains, or dislocations.
- Overuse of Repetitive actions without adequate rest periods is common during intense training cycles.
- Poor Posture or Mechanics. Incorrect lifting techniques or sustained awkward positions over time can strain the body.
- Work-Related Stress Heavy gear and long static holds often place excess pressure on joints and muscles.
Contributing Risk Factors
Risk Factor | Description |
Lack of Recovery Time | Inadequate rest between intense activities |
Improper Equipment | Ill-fitting boots or body armour |
Physical Fatigue | Muscle exhaustion leading to poor technique |
History of Injury | Previous trauma increases the risk of reinjury. |
Recognising these factors is the first step. We work with veterans to identify the root cause of ongoing pain and build a holistic support plan based on real-world experience and evidence-based methods.
Common Types of Musculoskeletal Injuries
Musculoskeletal injuries experienced by military personnel and veterans often fall into several distinct categories. Each type may present differently regarding severity, recovery time, and long-term impact, but all require appropriate assessment and care.
These injuries frequently occur during training exercises, physical fitness tests, or operational activities, and may range from acute incidents to slow-developing overuse conditions.
Breakdown of Common Injuries
Type | Description |
Fractures | Breaks in bone structure from direct trauma or repetitive stress. |
Dislocations | When a bone is forced from its normal joint position. |
Sprains | Injuries to ligaments are caused by overstretching or twisting. |
Strains | Overstretching or tearing of muscle or tendon tissue, often due to overuse. |
Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSIs) | Conditions caused by continuous, repetitive movements, such as tendinitis or carpal tunnel syndrome. |
Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSDS) | Work-related activities, including heavy lifting or awkward posture, cause injuries. |
Most Frequently Seen in Veterans
- Lower back strains due to heavy gear
- Knee ligament injuries from load-bearing activities
- Shoulder dislocations during falls or impact
- Stress fractures from high-volume running
- Elbow and wrist pain linked to equipment handling
Knowing the type of injury is only the start. We help veterans explore whether their diagnosis is complete and assist with referrals for further evaluation or continued care where necessary.
Musculoskeletal Symptoms and Early Warning Signs
Recognising the early signs of a musculoskeletal injury can prevent further complications and support faster recovery. Many veterans may live with discomfort for years, not realising the extent or origin of their injury.
Symptoms often vary depending on the nature and location of the injury, but there are common patterns worth watching out for.
Key Symptoms to Monitor
Symptom | Explanation |
Pain | Localised or radiating discomfort in muscles, joints, or bones. |
Stiffness | Reduced flexibility, especially after rest or inactivity. |
Swelling | Inflammation around the injured area. |
Muscle Weakness | Difficulty bearing weight or completing tasks. |
Numbness or Tingling | Often associated with nerve compression or repetitive strain. |
Limited Range of Motion | Trouble moving a limb or joint entirely without pain. |
When to Seek Help for a Musculoskeletal Injury
- Persistent pain lasting more than a few weeks
- Symptoms interfering with daily tasks or sleep
- History of previous injury with recurring discomfort
- Noticeable joint instability or visible deformity
Veterans may delay care due to service-related habits of endurance or self-reliance. We encourage anyone experiencing these symptoms to seek assessment, even if the injury occurred years ago.
United Kingdom (UK) Defence Statistics indicated that 301 British veterans sustained an amputation through service in Iraq or Afghanistan up to 31st March 2023.
The lifelong impact of traumatic limb-loss is also particularly relevant for older veterans who served in (among others) the Second World War, Korea, Northern Ireland, Vietnam and the Falklands, and whose health issues may be exacerbated by age-related changes and comorbidities, including the long-term psychological consequences of war.
Treatment under Military guidance, such as that at Stanford Hall varies considerably to what is offered via the NHS Limb Centres. There are 35 centres in England that provide specialized prosthetic services. These are consultant-led services and they involve a specialised multi-disciplinary team, which includes, for example; prosthetist; occupational therapist; physiotherapist; podiatrist; and psychologist.
If you have had an amputation and are registered with a GP, you will be eligible to attend an NHS Limb Centre where your mobility needs will be assessed. You may need a prosthetic limb or wheelchair. This will be provided free of charge where applicable, based on clinical need. Your GP or hospital that carried out the surgery will refer you to the appropriate Limb Centre.
If you lost a limb in Service, you can access the veterans’ prosthetics programme. This programme has enabled nine Disablement Service Centres (DSC’s) in England to offer enhanced services to veterans, accessed by referral from the veterans own GP
British Limbless Ex-Servicemen’s Association (BLESMA) is a national service charity that supports limbless veterans since injury for the remainder of their life.