Why did pirates have injured legs or arms?

Pirates often had injured legs or arms due to the dangers of life at sea, including battles with rival ships, encounters with naval forces, and accidents during boarding actions. The chaotic nature of these confrontations frequently resulted in gunshot wounds, sWord injuries, or accidents involving heavy rigging and ship equipment. Additionally, poor medical care and the harsh living conditions contributed to the prevalence of amputations among pirates, leading to the iconic image of pirates with peg legs or hooks for hands.