Posted on September 5, 2008 in Latest News
Diabetes can cause various bone and joint disorders. Muscle breakdown, nerve damage, circulation problem and obesity can also be responsible for such conditions, yet the causes of such problems are not clearly known. Let us observe some of the joint and bone disorders affected by Diabetes.
Joint and Bone Disorders Due to Diabetes
- Charcot’s joint- This is also known as neuropathic arthropathy. The joint deteriorates due to nerve damage, which also happens to be a common diabetic complication. The feet are affected by this disorder. One might experience numbness or tingling feeling or there is no sensation in the joint that is affected. The joint can become swollen, deformed or unstable. One may have to use braces or crutches or other kinds of support to reduce the weight pressure on the joints. Early treatment can help in promoting healing and prevent bone destruction. Surgery is generally avoided.
- Osteoporosis- This weakens the bones and makes them brittle. Those suffering from Diabetes Type 1 face the risk of this health condition. One may suffer from stooped posture, reduced height or bone fractures. Medication can slower the bone loss. Regular exercise and a proper diet consisting of calcium and vitamin helps in promoting better bone health. One can take Calcium and Vitamin D supplements
- Diabetes hand syndrome- The disorder is also known as cheiroarthropathy. The hand skin becomes thickened and waxy. The finger movement gets limited. What are the causes of this disorder are not known. It occurs mostly in people who have long been suffering from Diabetes for a long time. One may not be able to extend one’s fingers completely or be able to press the palms of the hands together in a flat manner. Stretch exercises can help improve joint movement and function. If one controls one’s blood sugar levels, then they can improve the symptoms. Anti-inflammatory medications and pain-relievers also help
- Osteoarthritis- This health condition is due to breakdown of joint cartilage. It can affect any of the joints in the body. Those suffering from Type 2 Diabetes face the risk of osteoarthritis, which also likely to occur on account of obesity. It is a risk factor for Diabetes Type 2. The condition can cause joint pains, stiffness and swelling. It also causes loss of joint movement or flexibility. Medication can be used to treat the condition and reduce the inflammation. Healthy diet, losing weight and regular exercise help in improving this condition. In some cases physical therapy or perhaps surgery may be recommended
- Dish-Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH), also known as Forestier’s disease results in the hardening of the ligaments and tendons, which often affect the spine. DISH can be caused due to Diabetes Type 2, maybe due to insulin-type growth or insulin that promotes bone growth. One might experience stiffness, pain or less motion. In case, the spine gets affected by DISH, one might experience stiffness in the neck or back. Physical therapy reduces stiffness. Regular exercise and medication also help
- Frozen shoulder- Frozen shoulder results in shoulder pain and motion is also limited. The cause is often not known, but Diabetes is a risk factor. Initially, there is pain when the shoulder moves. Subsequently, one experiences stiffness and motion also reduces. Eventually stiffness and pain improve. Physical therapy and medication helps. At times, surgery is recommended
- Dupuytren’s contracture- In this condition, the fingers get bent towards the palm. It is due to the scarring and thickening of the connecting tissues in the fingers and in the hand palm. It is common among those who have been suffering from Diabetes for a long time. It could be because of the metabolic changes that are related to Diabetes. Treatment may not be necessary in the case of mild cases. If the condition becomes too severe and you are not able to carry out chores, then one can go in for surgery
Bones do get affected by Diabetes. Several bone ailments cause much discomfort and Diabetes could be a risk factor leading up to them. Exercise proper diet can control Diabetes, thus preventing the onset of serious bone disease.
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