What action should be taken to manage a child’s painful joints due to hemophilia?

Managing a child’s painful joints due to hemophilia requires interventions that focus on reducing pain and minimizing swelling. Applying ice and elevating the affected joints is an effective strategy. Ice helps to constrict blood vessels, which can reduce swelling and numb the area to alleviate pain. Elevation of the joint also aids in minimizing swelling by promoting venous return and reducing fluid accumulation.

In the context of hemophilia, where the risk of joint bleeding is high, cooling the area with ice can provide immediate comfort and support recovery. This approach is typically more beneficial than applying heat, which can increase blood flow and potentially exacerbate swelling. Encouraging ambulation or movement can also be problematic in this scenario, as it may lead to further joint irritation or injury. While warm baths can relax muscles, they may not provide the necessary support for acute inflammatory pain associated with joint bleeding in hemophilia. Therefore, elevating and applying ice is the most appropriate action for managing joint pain in this condition.