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Managing Hemophilia Keeping Joints Healthy

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An informational video about hemophilia, joint health and developing a plan to maintain your health.

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If you are living with hemophilia or are providing care for someone who does, 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 hemophilia treatment centers may 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.

Hemophilia Treatments With Factor1,2

There are several therapy options for people with hemophilia.

Your physician will help you determine which therapy options and lifestyle changes that can best meet your needs. Whichever therapy you are using, the most important thing is to follow the treatment plan carefully and faithfully.

It is essential to treat bleeds according to your doctor's instructions. The sooner the bleed is stopped, the less damage to the joint.1,2 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, Exercise And Hemophilia

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.5

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.3

Exercise also reduces the likelihood of bleeds. This is because strong muscles support joints better, reducing the chance of injury.4 Flexible tendons give joints a greater range of motion. A strong cardiovascular system means you are less likely to get tired and injure a joint while playing a sport.

Although exercise can benefit the joints, specific activities may be inappropriate for some people. Below are a few general precautions to keep in mind:

  • If you tend 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.

What kind of exercise is best for you? There are lots of choices. Work with your hemophilia healthcare professional or physical therapist to create a plan that includes activities you enjoy and that fit your lifestyle.* In the Sports and Exercise section, you'll find activities as well as tips for exercising safely.

Hemophilia & Physical Therapy

In physical therapy, you will learn special exercises to restore function or improve conditioning in your joints. Physical therapy may be helpful after a serious bleed or surgery, as well as in preventing bleeds through strengthening of target joints.

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When you begin physical therapy, you will work with a trained physical therapist who may be part of your treatment center team. Your physical therapist will evaluate your current physical condition, including muscle strength, joint range of motion, and flexibility. He or she will also need to know about your activities and interests. With this information, your physical therapist will devise a program of treatment and exercise designed to fit your specific situation and needs.

Help From Hemophilia Treatment Centers

Your treatment center is one of your best resources for keeping your joints healthy. Your treatment center's doctors and nurses will work with you to monitor your bleed patterns and prescribe the best methods of treatment. They will help you keep track of your 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 hemophilia treatment center can help, or to locate the treatment center in your area, visit the Treatment Centers section.

Note: ThereForYou.com does not recommend a particular treatment for specific individuals and recommends that you consult your treatment center or physician before pursuing any course of treatment.

*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.

References

  1. Early and Adequate Treatment. The National Hemophilia Foundation website. http://www.hemophilia.org/NHFWeb/MainPgs/MainNHF.aspx?menuid=125&contentid=145. Accessed June 8, 2011.
  2. NHF National Prevention Program: How Young People with Hemophilia Do the Five. The National Hemophilia Foundation website. http://www.hemophilia.org/NHFWeb/Resource/StaticPages/menu0/menu8/menu125/JanFeb02.pdf. Accessed June 8, 2011.
  3. NHF National Prevention Program. The National Hemophilia Foundation website. http://www.hemophilia.org/NHFWeb/Resource/StaticPages/menu0/menu8/menu125/Exercise%20and%20Nutrition%20Fact%20Sheet.pdf. Accessed June 8, 2011.
  4. Frequently Asked Questions About Hemophilia. World Federation of Hemophilia website. http://www.wfh.org/2/1/1_1_1_FAQ.htm. Accessed June 8, 2011.
  5. Playing it Safe: Bleeding Disorders, Sports And Exercise. The National Hemophilia Foundation; 2005.