Hemarthrosis - hemorrhage in the joint. Moreover, this pathology affects not only the knee, but also the temporomandibular and other joints. Usually occurs when the rupture of blood vessels that supply blood to the structure of the joint. Most often occurs in the area of the knee, because this area carries serious loads. May occur against a background of severe injury or blood disease.
The main causes and symptoms of the disease
There are the following factors that can lead to a similar pathology:
- injuries;
- vascular diseases, blood.
But the main factors are still external traumatic effects on the joints. Pathologies of blood or blood vessels are also attributed to the root cause, but in this case, hemarthrosis is manifested only in the event of injury. And it can be insignificant: some can not even remember the fact of external influence due to the absence of pain.
Symptoms depend on the severity of the disease.
With minimal blood flow (about 15 mm). In this case, the composition increases slightly, the pain is felt only in the place of injury.- When pouring blood to 100 ml - moderate degree of severity. The composition increases, the contours are smoothed, a spherical "silhouette" is formed at the junction of the bones. In the case of palpation, the doctor may detect fluctuations. It is impossible to step on a sore leg.
- Continuing bleeding, in which the volume of the clot can be in excess of 100 ml of blood. The skin darkens, turns blue, soft tissues become more tense. With the naked eye visible deformation of the fabric. There may be a slight increase in temperature.
With minimal blood flow (about 15 mm). In this case, the composition increases slightly, the pain is felt only in the place of injury.At the first stage, the pain has a small, arching character. Moreover, the greater the volume of blood that has poured out, the stronger the discomfort.
If hemarthrosis was caused by injury or contusion, then usually the symptoms are similar - we recall the injury. If the ligament is damaged, instability of the knee may be present, at the fracture there is a sharp pain, the inability to step on the leg.
What can cause the disease?
The consequences of this disease is difficult to predict. In the absence of qualified medical care, blood accumulates in the joint, which greatly squeezes the tissue. This leads to impaired blood circulation, the emergence of dystrophic processes.
As a result of the development of stagnation, the cells disintegrate, penetrate into the tissue, into the structure of the joints. This adversely affects the knee capsule, hyaline cartilage. This leads to the formation of hemosiderin accumulation - it is a pigment that is formed from destroyed red blood cells. Bottom line: a decrease in the elasticity of all tissues. Because of this, arthrosis can develop.
Often, such a system leads to the inflammatory process of the synovial membrane, which leads to the appearance of aseptic synovitis. If pathogenic bacteria enter the lymph or blood, the disease will be infectious. If the inflammatory process gets into the fibrious tissue, it can cause purulent arthritis.
Diagnostic measures
Diagnosis is based on the examination of the patient and the examination of the patient. To clarify the diagnosis and identify the root cause, the following types of studies are used:
- arthroscopy;
- joint puncture;
- X-ray
- Ultrasound;
- CT scan;
- MRI and others
If a non-traumatic type of disease is suspected, it is imperative that you consult a hematologist, which requires additional tests.
Proper and effective treatment of hemarthrosis of the knee
When the above symptoms and examination are required to start therapy. Without treatment, there is a probability of 100% destruction of cartilage tissue, which will lead to the need to install an implant instead of a joint.
At first, it is necessary to provide the leg with proper care: the patient needs to be laid in a horizontal position, a small pillow should be placed under the damaged area. Dry ice is also required.
1-2 degree therapy
In identifying the first degree of the disease, puncture is usually not performed. Often, the blood clots dissolve themselves, and plaster is applied to the injured limb. It is required to apply cold to the foot for 3-4 days, constantly to keep calm, to reduce the load to a minimum. After reduction of the main symptoms, UHF-therapy is prescribed.
If a blood clot of more than 25 ml is found in the joint, a puncture is required, that is, the fluid that has accumulated inside is removed. Subsequently, the doctor decides whether it is necessary to discharge hormone-based anti-inflammatory drugs.
After the puncture, a bandage is applied to the leg. In some cases, there is a re-hemorrhage, because it is important to re-consult a specialist. If necessary, a secondary puncture. During the treatment period, the sick person needs to walk on crutches in order to reduce the burden on the limb. The term of therapy is about 3 weeks.
At the same time prescribe the use of ointments, gels. The most effective anti-inflammatory and analgesics: Traumel, Deep Relief. At the end of the acute period, they may prescribe the passage of physiotherapeutic procedures, exercise therapy.
Treatment of the 3rd degree pathology
If the pathology has developed without injury, the patient is hospitalized, hematologists and other specialists examine him. Blood sampling is carried out, MRI and CT are prescribed. In most cases, in addition to puncture, plasma transfusions are performed and anti-hemophilic type globulin is administered.
Home Treatment Recommendations
To relieve pain in the joint, to prevent the outpouring of blood, you can use the following methods of traditional medicine:
- Take 1 tsp. oregano, nettle, yarrow, put in a thermos, pour 700 m of boiling water and leave to infuse for an hour. Drink tincture three times a day, 50 ml.
- Mix 0.5 tsp. Natashyr, 100 g of honey, 2 tsp. Medzhelchi. The result should be a cream that is applied to the injured knee. After 1-1.5 hours to wash it off.
- Take a little grass arnica, pour a small amount of boiling water, leave to swell. After that, attach to the damaged area, wrap with gauze and leave the compress for at least 1 hour. In the absence of this grass, you can use wormwood.
Forecasts - what do experts say?
In general, the prognosis for recovery is quite positive, especially if you turn to specialists in time. Exception: recurrent hemarthrosis on the background of injury or hemophilia. In this case, the disease is usually accompanied by serious complications followed by a transition to arthrosis.
To prevent hemarthrosis in a child after receiving any injury, you should immediately consult a doctor. It is also necessary to carry out timely treatment of identified pathologies. Sports activities should be conducted in compliance with safety regulations.
Recovery activities
Rehabilitation after treatment includes visits to gymnastics sessions. This is required for stretching the tendons, warming up the joint, resuming the work of the muscles. Any physical activities should be excluded, sports events - a gentle mode should be established.
Equally important is proper nutrition. For example, in the case of chronic hemarthrosis, it is recommended to include more spinach, celery, green onions in the diet. Such products strengthen blood vessels, improve blood circulation, accelerate the rate of blood clotting. In this case, the risk of complications is reduced almost to zero.
