Sickle cell anemia is a genetic condition in which red blood cells are formed improperly because of an abnormal form of the protein hemoglobin. Because these red blood cells have an unusual shape, they can easily clump together and form small blood clots in small blood vessels. Because joints often get their blood flow from small blood vessels, these microthrombi, as they are called, can cause significant pain.
Non-Narcotic Pain Management
The initial treatment for sickle cell joint pain is to try non-narcotic pain relievers. These include such over-the-counter medications as acetaminophen, ibuprofen and aspirin. These medications are initially recommended because they have few side effects (when used properly) and are not addictive.
Narcotic Pain Relief
When nonprescription pain medications are insufficient to relieve sickle cell joint pain, stronger pain relievers might be prescribed. This includes pain relievers with codeine, percocet, vicodin and, in extreme cases, oxycontin. These medications should be used sparingly because of their addictiveness and their narcotic effects.
Sickle Cell Treatment
Much of sickle cell therapy aims to prevent symptoms such as joint pain. This is why it is essential for the patient to remain hydrated to keep the blood from getting overly viscous and to take folic acid supplements. These treatments can help prevent the vascular clotting that can lead to joint pain in people with sickle cell.
Hydroxyurea
Hydroxyurea is a medication that can also prevent joint pain from sickle cell anemia. It slows the rate at which the abnormal red blood cells are produced, allowing for enhanced production of cells with fetal hemoglobin. As a result, fewer microclots are formed, which then prevent joint pain from occurring.
Surgery
In some cases, the miniature clots might become so bad the affected joint might need to be replaced. This most commonly happens with the hip, as it has many small blood vessels that supply it. When too many of these vessels become blocked, it prevents oxygen and blood from getting to the hip, resulting in a condition known as avascular necrosis. The only treatment for this is to replace the hip with a prosthetic.
Tags: joint pain, small blood, blood cells, blood vessels, pain relievers, small blood vessels, blood from