The effects of diabetes go far beyond simply making meal planning difficult. For instance, many orthopedic problems can develop in the hand, wrist, and shoulder because of diabetes. If you have diabetes and are experiencing symptoms, it is critical to seek medical care. An orthopedic physician can detect and diagnose issues quickly. With the help of an orthopedist, you can manage symptoms, prevent health conditions from worsening, and even prevent some issues from developing in the first place.
Possible Issues Caused by Diabetes
Uncontrolled diabetes may increase your risk or contribute to osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, stiff hand syndrome, and diabetic neuropathy, just to name a few.
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a condition that causes your bones to become weak and brittle. You’re more at risk of a fracture when you have this condition. Typically, you’re more likely to develop osteoporosis if you have type 1 diabetes. People with this condition may have a reduced ability to maintain good bone mass than those without it. This can ultimately increase your risk of osteoporosis as you age. Your wrists are one of the more common locations for osteoporosis to affect.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis occurs when you have swelling and pain in your joints. You might also experience a decrease in range of motion in affected joints. Osteoarthritis stems from the cartilage at the ends of your bones wearing down gradually, which can cause your bones to rub against each other. It tends to affect your hands more often than many other joints in your body, although it can occur in any joint.
Osteoarthritis affects diabetics more often because of the link between osteoarthritis and obesity. Obesity puts extra pressure on joints, which increases risk of osteoarthritis. Because people who are obese also have a higher risk of developing diabetes, a connection between the three conditions exists.
Stiff Hand Syndrome
Stiff hand syndrome, also known as diabetic cheiroarthropathy, is a condition that occurs when the skin on your hand thickens and becomes waxy. As it worsens, it can limit movement in your fingers. Currently, researchers aren’t sure what causes stiff hand syndrome. However, people who have diabetes for a prolonged period are more likely to develop it.
Diabetic Neuropathy
When you have consistently uncontrolled high blood sugar levels, it can damage nerves in your body. You may have pain, numbness, tingling, or burning in affected areas. Cramping or sharp pains are possible, as well. Some people also become hypersensitive to touch in these regions.
Symptoms can range from mild to severe, depending on the extent of nerve damage. While diabetic neuropathy most often affects the legs, it may also affect your hands. Carpal tunnel is a specific form of neuropathy that’s common among diabetics. It begins with a compressed nerve in your wrist, which causes pain, numbness, and tingling that extends to your fingers.
Why Choose Our Orthopedic Doctors in Bismarck, ND
Contact The Bone & Joint Center, serving Bismarck and the nearby North Dakota region, today to determine the cause of your wrist, shoulder, and hand pain and to find a treatment solution for you. Your pain may be a result of diabetes and will need monitoring and treatment from a medical professional. We understand the relationship between diabetes and musculoskeletal pain, and we take the necessary steps to determine the exact cause
Call us at (800) 424-2663 to make an appointment. You can also request an appointment online. We look forward to serving you soon.
