Hemarthrosis

AMBULATORY CARE:

Hemarthrosis is bleeding into a joint, usually after an injury. Blood vessels inside the joint are damaged and bleed. The blood then collects in the joint space. The shoulder and knee joints are most commonly affected. Elbow, ankle, and hip joints may also be affected.

Common signs and symptoms of hemarthrosis:

• Warmth or tingling in the joint
  
  
• Joint pain or swelling
  
  
• Red skin over the affected joint
  
  
• Trouble moving the joint, or joint stiffness

Seek care immediately if:

• You have new or worsening joint pain.
  
  
• You have joint pain that moves to a muscle or other area.
  
  
• You cannot move the joint.

Contact your healthcare provider if:

• You have pain that does not get better after you take your pain medicine.
  
  
• You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.

Treatment:

• Rest may help stop the bleeding. Your healthcare provider may also want you to use crutches or a sling to help rest the affected joint. Your provider may recommend that you limit the amount of time you rest the joint. Long periods without movement can cause problems such as muscle contracture (shortening).
  
  
• Medicines may be given to improve clotting if you have hemophilia. If your hemarthrosis was caused by blood thinners, your provider may change your dose. Your provider may have you stop using them until your blood clotting ability improves. Do not stop taking your medicine unless directed. A sudden stop can be life-threatening.
  
  
• Surgery may be used to remove lining from the joint, or bone from near the affected joint.
  
  
• Joint replacement may be needed if other treatments do not work. All or part of the joint is replaced with an artificial piece during surgery.

Manage hemarthrosis:

• Ask about medicines. Talk to your healthcare provider about all medicines you currently take. Do not take any medicine, vitamin, or supplement without talking to your healthcare provider.
  
  
• Return to activities as directed. You may need to wait until your joint is rested or medicines are working. Ask if it is safe for you to play sports, such as football, that can cause injury or bleeding. Sports can be especially dangerous if you have hemophilia.
  
  
• Go to physical therapy as directed. Your healthcare provider may also recommend that you work with a physical therapist if you have joint damage from hemarthrosis. A physical therapist can help improve your joint's range of motion.
  
  
• Exercise as directed. Exercise helps strengthen muscles and keeps joints healthy. Strong muscles also help protect joints. Your healthcare provider may recommend exercise such as swimming, walking, or riding a bicycle. Ask how much exercise you need and which exercises are best for you.
  
  
• Apply ice to the joint as directed. Ice helps reduce pain and swelling. Ice can also help prevent tissue damage. Use an ice pack, or put ice in a plastic bag and cover it with a towel. Place the ice pack or bag on the affected joint for 15 minutes every hour, or as directed.

Follow up with your healthcare provider as directed: Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.