Keeping Joints Healthy
There are many things you can do to keep joints healthy. A combination of the right treatment plan, good nutrition and weight control, regular exercise, and yearly check-ups at your treatment center can help reduce the risk of joint damage. While each recommendation plays an important part in maintaining joint health, they work best when they are done together.
Treatment with Factor
There are several treatment regimens for people with hemophilia to receive factor. Your physician will help you determine which method best meets your needs. Whichever method you are using, the most important thing is to follow the treatment plan carefully and faithfully.
If you are treating bleeds on demand, it is essential to treat bleeds according to your doctor's instructions. The sooner the bleed is stopped, the less damage to the joint. Learning to identify a bleed early is critical to reducing the risk of joint damage. You'll learn more about recognizing and treating bleeds in Managing Bleeds.
Diet and exercise
Everyone – especially people with hemophilia – needs to stay fit and healthy. Being in good physical condition means having more energy as well as feeling better in general.
Although maintaining a healthy weight may not be easy, it's important in reducing damage to the joints. Less weight means less stress on the joints. The right foods along with a safe exercise program can help you lose or maintain weight.
Exercise also reduces the likelihood of bleeds. This is because strong muscles support joints better, reducing the chance of injury. Flexible tendons give joints a greater range of motion. A strong cardiovascular system means your child is less likely to get tired and injure a joint while playing a sport.
Although exercise can benefit the joints, there are a few precautions to keep in mind:
- If your child tends to bleed after a certain activity, you may need to stop that activity or find a way to make it safer.
- Never exercise a joint or muscle that has had a bleed until it is fully healed.
- Discuss with your treatment center whether you should give your child factor before an activity that may cause a bleed.
What kind of exercise is best for your child? There are lots of choices. Work with your healthcare professional or physical therapist to create a plan that includes activities your child enjoys and that fits his lifestyle.* In the Sports and Exercise section, you'll find recommended activities as well as tips for exercising safely.
Physical therapy
In physical therapy, you will learn special exercises to restore function or improve conditioning in your child’s joints. Physical therapy may be helpful after a serious bleed or surgery, as well as in preventing bleeds through target strengthening.
When your child begins physical therapy, he will work with a trained physical therapist who may be part of your treatment center team. Your physical therapist will evaluate your child’s current physical condition, including muscle strength, joint range of motion, and flexibility. He or she will also need to know about your son’s activities and interests. With this information, your physical therapist will devise a program of treatment and exercise designed to fit his specific situation and needs.
Help from Your Treatment Center
Your treatment center is one of your best resources for keeping your child’s joints healthy. Your treatment center's doctors and nurses will work with you to monitor your child’s bleed patterns and prescribe the best methods of treatment. They will help you keep track of your child’s factor infusions and bleeding history.
Most treatment centers have a physical therapist on the team to help you create an exercise program.
To learn more about all the ways a treatment center can help, or to locate the treatment center in your area, visit the Treatment Center section of thereforyou.com.
*Note: Be sure to consult your physician or treatment center before beginning any exercise program or participating in sporting activities. If an injury occurs, contact your physician or treatment center immediately for the appropriate treatment.
