Hemarthrosisdescribes bleeding into a joint.
It can be triggered by physical trauma, a bleeding disorder such ashemophilia, or other factors.
Treatment for hemarthrosis is essential since lengthy exposure to blood can damage the cartilage of your joints.
Science Photo Library / Getty Images
This article discusses hemarthrosis and how it is treated.
It also goes over the causes, symptoms, and complications of the condition.
What Causes Hemarthrosis?
Hemarthrosis can appear after a joint injury, or it may develop spontaneously if you are prone to bleeding.
If you have swelling of one or more joints in your body, you should see your healthcare provider.
If you experience rapid or severe swelling, you should seek prompt medical attention.
How Hemarthrosis Is Diagnosed
Your healthcare provider can usually identify the condition by visually examining your joints.
Imaging studies may also be helpful in identifying blood in and around your joints.
Joint aspiration (arthrocentesis) can offer a definitive diagnosis.
Your healthcare provider will insert a needle into your joint, collecting a sample of the joint fluid.
The joint fluid that is associated with hemarthrosis is typically reddish, pinkish, or brownish.
Other characteristics of the joint fluid may also help identify the underlying cause of your hemarthrosis.
How Do You Treat Hemarthrosis?
You will only receive blood-clotting medications if you have a bleeding disorder.
Your healthcare provider will closely monitor you for complications if you receive this treatment.
Summary
Hemarthrosis is when there is bleeding into a joint.
Mild to moderate joint bleeding should resolve with time.
2021;13(1_suppl):116S-121S.
2022;42(1):289-301. doi:10.1148/rg.210159
National Heart Lung and Blood Institute.Bleeding disorders.
2018;33(4):1177-1180.e1.
