Bone and Joint Problems Caused by Diabetes

When visiting a doctor, one of the first questions you may be asked is whether you have diabetes. This is because high blood sugar, often due to insulin resistance, can cause several health problems—from mild issues like fatigue and frequent urination to serious conditions like kidney damage, heart disease, stroke, and even vision loss.

What many people don’t know is that diabetes can also weaken bones and joints, leading to several disorders. Let’s understand the major bone and joint problems linked with type 2 diabetes, along with their symptoms and treatment options.

1. Diabetic Hand Syndrome

Also called Limited Joint Mobility, this condition happens when the skin on your hands thickens, making small joints stiff. Over time, it can also affect your shoulders, feet, and ankles. This is more common in long-term diabetics.

Symptoms:

• Skin on the hands feels thick and waxy
  
  

Treatment:

• Proper blood sugar control helps slow its progression
  
  

• Full joint movement may not be completely restored
  
  

2. Charcot’s Joint

Diabetes can damage nerves, and when this affects joints (commonly the feet), it leads to Charcot’s joint.

Symptoms:

• Red, swollen, unstable joints
  
  

• Visible deformity but usually not very painful
  
  

Treatment:

• Early diagnosis is important
  
  

• Maintaining normal blood sugar levels
  
  

• Orthopedic supports and avoiding pressure on the affected joint
  
  

3. Osteoarthritis

This is common in people over 40 and those with obesity—both linked with type 2 diabetes. It happens when the cartilage in joints breaks down.

Symptoms:

• Joint pain, swelling, stiffness
  
  

• Reduced flexibility
  
  

Treatment:

• Exercise, physical therapy, rest, and medicines can improve movement
  
  

• Severe cases may need surgery
  
  

• Alternative therapies like acupuncture may help
  
  

4. Frozen Shoulder

Many diabetics experience stiffness and pain in one or both shoulders due to weakened muscles around the joint.

Symptoms:

• Shoulder pain and tenderness
  
  

• Limited range of motion
  
  

Treatment:

• Physical therapy helps restore movement
  
  

• Corticoid injections may be prescribed for severe pain
  
  

5. Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal Hyperostosis (DISH)

Also known as Forestier disease, DISH happens when tendons and ligaments harden, usually in the spine. It may be linked to insulin issues that promote excess bone growth.

Symptoms:

• Pain and stiffness in the spine, back, or neck
  
  

• Reduced flexibility in the affected area
  
  

Treatment:

• Mainly focused on pain relief
  
  

• Corticosteroid injections may be recommended
  
  

6. Osteoporosis

This condition weakens bones, making them break easily. While more common in type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetics are also at risk due to poor diet and lack of exercise.

Symptoms:

• Stooped posture
  
  

• Frequent fractures or broken bones
  
  

Treatment:

• Regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and stress management help prevent it
  
  

• Advanced cases need medication and supplements to strengthen bones

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https://www.freedomfromdiabetes.org/blog/post/bone-and-joint-disorders-caused-by-diabetes/2946