Managing pain is possible

For people living with bleeding disorders, effectively managing pain can play an important role in healthy living—and bring a welcome sense of relief.1

Pain icon.
MY HOME Healthy Living Pain Management

Understanding pain and pain management in bleeding disorders

Pain can be a symptom of different kinds of bleeds, including episodes in the joints, which can be especially painful.2 This kind of pain can be difficult to manage because everyone feels and responds to pain in their own way.1

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No one knows your body like you do. Trust your intuition and be vocal about what you need. Be brave, be honest, and be strong. You are not alone.

-Norma, Patient

Respond quickly to pain

When you have a bleed, it's important to treat as soon as possible. Evaluate the injury and seek emergency care if needed. Keep a supply of treatment on hand as well as phone numbers for hemophilia treatment centers or bleeding disorder healthcare professionals.3

For home treatment, remember: Rest. Ice. Compression. Elevation. (R.I.C.E.)

When you’ve had an injury, it’s important to bring pain, swelling, and inflammation under control as soon as possible. The R.I.C.E. method can be a good place to start. Remember, it’s important to evaluate all injuries thoroughly and to seek medical attention immediately if you suspect an emergency.1

Woman feeling pain on her leg.

Stop placing stress on the injured area as soon as possible.1

Woman massaging the pain on her knee.

Apply ice for 15 minutes and leave off long enough for skin to re-warm.1

A man wrapping his leg with tape to relieve the pain.

Using an elastic bandage, apply pressure around the injured area.1

Man resting his leg on a pillow after bandaging it.

Hold the injured area above the level of the heart to help blood flow away from the area, reducing swelling.1

Use pain medication with care

Certain pain medicines, like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) may be harmful for people with bleeding disorders, so it’s important to be careful when taking them. Talk to your doctor about options for your medicines.1

Another way to help decrease pain is with exercise and physical therapy. A physical therapist can design a program for your specific needs.1

Medicine bottle icon.

It's important to keep your joints healthy for the future. You don't want to have joint complications when advanced treatments roll around.

-Amalia, Takeda Community Education Specialist

Keep exploring

Woman jogging on a path.

Living an active lifestyle with a bleeding disorder

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Physical therapist guiding her patient during physical therapy.

Explore physical therapy

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Man reading on a tablet.

Connect with a Community Education Specialist

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  1. National Hemophilia Foundation. Steps for living: pain management. https://stepsforliving.hemophilia.org/step-out/non-factor-treatment/pain-management. Accessed February 15, 2023.
  2. National Hemophilia Foundation. Steps for living: joint protection. https://stepsforliving.hemophilia.org/step-out/wellness-and-prevention/joint-protection-overview. Accessed February 15, 2023.
  3. National Hemophilia Foundation. Steps for living: Emergency preparedness. https://stepsforliving.hemophilia.org/step-up/treatment/emergency-preparedness. Accessed February 21, 2023.