Joint Bleeds
Joint bleeds can occur in any joint space no matter what the size – from fingers and toes to shoulders and hip. Bleeding into the joints is called hemarthrosis.
What occurs is that the joint space area fills with blood that, in turn, causes pain due to the pressure from the pooling of blood into the limited space. Repetition of bleeds into the same joint is called a “target joint”and can lead to chronic joint disease.
Early Signs of a Joint Bleed
- Any injury that occurs to the area
- Any feeling of a change in the joint
- Any bubbling or tingling feeling
- A child that is cranky or crying for no reason
Later Signs of a Joint Bleed
- Swelling at the joint area
- Pain with or without movement
- Skin is warm to the touch over the effected joint area
- Decreased range of motion, such as being unable to straighten or bend the affected joint
What to Do
- Treat early with factor at the first sign of a bleed or injury
- Repeat treatment the next day if symptoms have not gotten better
- Use an immobilizer or crutches as needed
- Use RICE (rest, ice, compression, elevation)
- Call your doctor if symptoms last for more than 3 days without improvement
- Go to emergency room if there is a chance that the injury may have caused a broken bone
Remember that if a joint bleed goes undetected, or treatment is delayed, the damage to joints could be permanent.
How to Prevent Joint Bleeds
- Exercise to strengthen muscles and joints
- Maintain weight to avoid increased stress to muscles and joints
- Maintain your treatment schedule
- Treat before activities that could lead to a bleed
- Have a yearly comprehensive examine to include joint evaluation
