Joint Support Devices | Managing Hemophilia Joint Pain

SUPPORT THE JOINT

After a joint bleed, it is important to reduce the stress on the affected joint. Immobilizing the joint and taking the weight off of it can help relieve pain and help the joint to heal after a bleed. Upper body joints such as shoulders, elbows, and wrists will usually be immobilized with an arm sling. Lower body joints such as hips, knees, and ankles require use of devices to remove weight from the joint. Various devices are available to provide walking assistance, including walkers, crutches, and canes.

The type of device needed will depend on the severity of joint damage and pain, and whether there are other joints involved. For example, someone with shoulder or elbow joint problems may have difficulty using traditional under arm crutches. You may need to use a progression of devices over time as you recover your strength and the joint heals. After having a severe knee bleed or knee surgery, you may first need a wheelchair. As the knee continues to heal, progression to a walker, crutches, and then a cane is be more appropriate. The device used may change while strength and mobility in the affected joint is gradually regained.

Types of support devices

Arm sling Used to immobilize upper body joints including shoulder, elbow, or wrist joint. It is designed to hold a painful or disabled arm as gently as possible. Some designs are available that can help reduce neck fatigue and pressure on the joints.		Air cast Commonly used to immobilize the ankle joint. The cast provides compression, which reduces swelling in the affected joint while providing support.
Knee brace A brace may be used in combination with a assistive walking device to assist in mobility.		Cane Canes are useful as walking aids if you need assistance walking but have good balance. A quad cane, which offers four points of floor contact, is even more stable. The cane should be held on the stronger side of the body while the weight is shifted away from the weaker side.
Crutches Available in aluminum or wood, crutches require more strength to use than walkers. Underarm models provide better support, but may be difficult to use by those who have shoulder or elbow joint problems. An arm support and crutch may be more helpful.		Walkers Walkers help if you are easily fatigued or have poor balance. They are made of strong, light weight aluminum. Some walkers have adjustable heights or wheels.
		Wheelchair Wheelchairs are used when walking is difficult or impossible. People with severe pain or frequent bleeds in the knee, hip, or ankle may require a wheelchair.