TYPES OF BLEEDS There are several types of bleeds that may occur. Joints, muscle, head, spinal cord, and the stomach are sites of bleeds. Joint bleeds are the most  common. Joint Bleeds Joint bleeds happen when the blood vessels in the tissue lining the joint are injured.23 Often there is no clear reason for the bleed, especially in severe hemophilia; this is called a spontaneous bleed. The most common joint bleeds happen in knees, ankles, and elbows, but bleeds can also occur in the toe, shoulder, and hip joints. Repeat joint bleeds can lead to hemophilic arthropathy or joint damage. To learn more about progressive joint damage, visit Joint Damage. Muscle Bleeds Muscle bleeds happen when blood vessels in the muscle are injured.23 Sometimes the cause of muscle bleeds is known, such as an injury, but spontaneous bleeds can also happen. The most common muscle bleeds occur in the calf, thigh, and upper arm, but bleeds in the psoas muscle (at the front of the hip) and the forearm muscles also occur. During a muscle bleed, the muscle swells and feels warm, stiff and painful. Bruising may be seen if the bleed is near the skin. Bleeds in deeper muscles can put pressure on nerves and arteries causing tingling and numbness, and may cause permanent damage. A muscle spasm may occur when the muscle tightens up to protect itself. Then joints moved by that muscle may not move properly. Serious or Life-Threatening Bleeds Head bleeds, throat bleeds, and bleeds involving major blood loss can be life-threatening. Bleeding inside the head is usually caused by injury, and is a major cause of death in people with hemophilia.23 Head bleeds can cause convulsions and loss of consciousness. Throat bleeds cause swelling, as well as difficulty swallowing and breathing. Bleeding into the throat may result from infection, injury, dental procedures, or surgery. Any bleed resulting in a major loss of blood is life-threatening. This is generally uncommon except after an injury or when related to another medical condition. Other bleeds, such as bleeds into the eyes, spine, and psoas muscle may be very serious, but are usually not life-threatening.