Keeping on top of joint health

Joint bleeds can be painful, frustrating and can affect more than just your mobility (your ability to move freely and easily).

Here are some tips to help you maintain your joint health.

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  Find a treatment that suits your life

  If you’re on prophylactic therapy, keeping on top of your treatment schedule helps avoid bleeds.¹ If you still experience breakthrough bleeds on your current treatment, speak to your haemotologist.

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  Practise physiotherapy exercises

  Physiotherapy can help to restore joint movement and function after a bleed and during recovery¹ and can help with long-term pain.² If you see a physiotherapist, ask them to teach you a few simple exercises to do at home. If you think that a physiotherapist could help then talk to your haemophilia team about a possible referral.

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  Make exercise part of your routine

  While exercise can potentially cause bleeds or discomfort because of pain, being active will help build strength in your joints and muscles, helping to safeguard against future bleeds and pain.^3-5 Ease into a regular activity that you enjoy at a level that suits you³, and ask your care team for support in choosing the right exercises for you.

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  Keep track of any changes

  Between haemophilia appointments, keep notes of any changes in how your joints move, pain and any other symptoms (smartphones and apps are great for note-keeping) and share them with your doctor. If you’ve had tests but aren’t sure why, ask your team what they’re for and what the results mean for you.

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  Contact your haemophilia team

  Your haemophilia team is there to support you – through the ups and the downs. If you’re dealing with an injury, have more discomfort than usual or just feel like talking to someone, don’t think twice about getting in touch.

References: 1. WFH. Guidelines for the management of hemophilia – 2nd edition (accessed March 2020). 2. Auerswald G, et al. Blood Coagul Fibrinolysis. 2016;7(8):845–854. 3. WFH. Exercises for people with haemophilia (accessed March 2020). 4. Negrier C, et al. Haemophilia. 2013;19(4):487–498. 5. Steps for living. Benefits of sports and fitness (accessed March 2020).