Phantom Limb Pain: Why it Happens, and How K-Laser Therapy and a Podiatrist Can Help

Phantom Limb Pain Vs Phantom Sensations

Phantom sensations are any non-painful feelings in the missing limb, such as tingling, movement, temperature, or the sense that the limb is still present. Phantom limb pain is when those feelings are painful. It is possible to have phantom sensations without pain, and it is also possible to have both.

Why Phantom Limb Pain Occurs

Phantom limb pain is a complex condition involving peripheral nerves, the spinal cord, and the brain. Phantom limb can also become worse during periods of stress, poor sleep, and low mood.

1) Nerve endings can become irritated in the residual limb

After an amputation, nerves that used to travel into the limb have been cut. As they heal, the ends can become sensitive. Sometimes they form a neuroma, which is a bundle of nerve tissue that can send abnormal signals.

These signals can be triggered by pressure, scar tissue, swelling, or irritation from a prosthesis socket. This can contribute to residual limb pain, and it may also feed into phantom limb pain.

2) The spinal cord can turn up the “volume” on pain signals

Your spinal cord normally filters and dampens incoming signals. After amputation, this filtering can change, which may allow pain signals to feel stronger or more persistent. This is sometimes described as central sensitisation. Read more here.

3) The brain still has a “map” of the missing limb

Dr Jens Foell has conducted groundbreaking MRI brain imaging research to look at causes of phantom limb pain and he says “The more the brain reorganises itself after amputation, the more severe phantom pain is. The area associated with the removed limb can start firing at stimulation processed in an adjacent part of the brain. Pain varies based on the context the patient lives in, and their psychological health. The brain responds to subjective experience, not objective reality.”

This explains reason why therapies that use movement, visual feedback, and retraining can help. You can watch Dr Jens Foells’ Ted Talk here.

4) Stress, Trauma, and Low-Mood can make symptoms worse

Phantom pains are real. However, your nervous system and your emotional state are connected. So, anxiety, depression, stress, and poor sleep can amplify pain and make flare ups more likely. A multidisciplinary approach is often recommended. Read more here.

What Helps Phantom Pains?

A combined treatment approach is often required for phantom pains. A practical plan usually works best, combining pain relief, movement retraining, and support for the residual limb. This clinical review describes multiple options, including medication, mirror therapy, and other physical and psychological approaches.

How K-Laser Therapy Can Help With Phantom Limb Pain

K-Laser therapy uses specific wavelengths of light to help the body heal naturally and calm pain. At Cutting Edge Podiatry, we use Class IV K-Laser, which penetrates deep into tissues to support cellular activity, improve blood flow, and reduce inflammation. Many people with nerve-related pain find K-Laser treatment helps supports the nervous system by helping to regulate pain signals and improve local circulation.

As phantom limb pain involves several factors including nerve irritation and changes in how the nervous system processes signals, K-Laser therapy can be a useful part of a wider care plan. It may help calm abnormal nerve signalling often seen in neuropathic and post-amputation pain and support overall comfort.