If you have diabetes, you're at increased risk of some bone and joint ailments. Certain factors, such as diabetic neuropathy (nerve damage and pain), arterial disease and obesity, may contribute to these problems — but sometimes the cause isn't so clear.
Ortho El Paso and The Hand Surgery Center at Ortho El Paso treat symptoms of diabetic bone and joint problems. For an appointment, call the doctors at 915-249-4000.
Here lists various bone and joint disorders associated with diabetes, including symptoms and treatment options:
- Neuropathic arthropathy (sometimes called Charcot), occurs when a joint deteriorates because of nerve damage — a common complication of diabetes. Charcot joint primarily affects the feet. You might have numbness and tingling or loss of sensation in the affected joints. They may become warm, red and swollen and become unstable or deformed. The involved joint may not be very painful despite its appearance. If detected early, progression of the disease can be slowed. Limiting weight-bearing activities and use of orthotic supports to the affected joint and surrounding structures can help.
- Diabetic cheiroarthropathy (sometimes called Diabetic Hand Syndrome), is a disorder in which the skin on the hands becomes waxy and thickened. Eventually finger movement is limited. What causes diabetic hand syndrome isn't known. It's most common in people who've had diabetes for a long time. You may be unable to fully extend your fingers or press your palms together flat. Better management of blood glucose levels and physical therapy can slow the progress of this condition, but the limited mobility may not be reversible.
- Osteoporosis is a disorder that causes bones to become weak and prone to fracture. People who have type 1 diabetes have an increased risk of osteoporosis. Osteoporosis rarely causes symptoms in the early stages. Eventually, when the disease is more advanced, you may experience loss of height, stooped posture or bone fractures. A healthy lifestyle, including weight-bearing exercise, such as walking, and eating a balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D — including supplements if needed — are the best ways to address this condition. In some patients with more severe or advanced disease, medications to prevent further bone loss or increase bone mass may be needed.
- Osteoarthritis is a joint disorder characterized by the breakdown of joint cartilage. It may affect any joint in your body. People who have type 2 diabetes have an increased risk of osteoarthritis, likely due to obesity — a risk factor for type 2 diabetes — rather than to the diabetes itself. Osteoarthritis may cause joint pain, swelling and stiffness, as well as loss of joint flexibility or movement. Treatment involves exercising and maintaining a healthy weight, caring for and resting the affected joint, physical therapy, medications for pain, and surgery such as knee or hip replacement (joint arthroplasty). Complementary treatments — such as acupuncture and massage — also may be helpful for managing pain.
- Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH), also called Forestier disease, is a hardening of tendons and ligaments that commonly affects the spine. DISH may be associated with type 2 diabetes, perhaps due to insulin or insulin-like growth factors that promote new bone growth. You may experience pain, stiffness or decreased range of motion in any affected part of your body. If DISH affects your spine, you may experience stiffness in your back or neck. Treatment involves managing symptoms, usually with pain relievers (Tylenol, others), and in rare cases may require surgery to remove bone that has grown due to the condition.
- Dupuytren's contracture is a deformity in which one or more fingers are bent toward the palm. It's caused by thickening and scarring of connective tissue in the palm of the hand and in the fingers. Dupuytren's contracture is common in people who've had diabetes for a long time, perhaps due to the metabolic changes related to diabetes. You may notice thickening of the skin on the palm of your hand. Eventually, you may not be able to fully straighten one or more fingers. If you have pain, a steroid injection may help by reducing inflammation. Surgery, collagenase enzyme injection and a minimally invasive technique called aponeurotomy to break apart the thick tissue are other options if the condition prevents you from being able to grasp objects.
- Frozen shoulder is a condition characterized by shoulder pain and limited range of motion. It typically affects only one shoulder. Although the cause is often unknown, diabetes is a common risk factor. Frozen shoulder causes pain or tenderness with shoulder movement, stiffness of the joint, and decreased range of motion. If started early, aggressive physical therapy can help preserve movement and range of motion in the joint.
Source: Mayo Clinic
