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Anemia & Joint Pain

People with anemia don't have enough red blood cells or have deficient red blood cells that are unable to carry oxygen properly. As a result, the oxygen deficiency creates problems that includes joint pain and swelling similar to arthritis. This pain can be treated with drugs but is best treated by addressing the source of the anemia.

  1. What is Anemia?

    • Anemia is a condition in which the body does not produce enough red blood cells or produces red blood cells that don't have enough hemoglobin, a protein that gives blood its red color and allows blood cells to carry oxygen. In the U.S., up to 3 million people suffer from this condition.

    Causes

    • A number of things cause anemia. The most common is a lack of iron in the diet, since iron is the main source of hemoglobin production. Conditions involving excessive blood loss like bleeding ulcers can also cause anemia. Other causes include severe infections, injuries and diseases that inhibit the production of red blood cells.

    Anemia and Joint Pain

    • People who are anemic experience a number of problems, most notably fatigue. Joint pain is common problem caused by the body's inability to carry oxygen to the joints. The problem is particularly acute at the extremities and many anemic people experience pain and swelling in the joints of their hands and feet.

    Sickle Cell Anemia and Joint Pain

    • Sickle cell anemia is a condition in which abnormally shaped red blood cells are not able to produce hemoglobin. These abnormally shaped cells are also not able to flow as freely through blood vessels as normally shaped round cells and often become lodged in the small capillaries of the joints, which results in pain and swelling.

    Treating Joint Pain Caused by Anemia

    • One course of treatment for joint pain is to take anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce the swelling and pain. But in the case of joint pain caused by anemia, it's best to address the cause of the anemia. Since most cases of anemia are caused by iron deficiencies, iron supplements are often used to help the body rebuild hemoglobin and red blood cells. Once the anemia is treated, joint pain and swelling usually subsides.

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