Will Diabetes Cause Joint Pains? Various Types Of Joint And Muscle Pain!

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What's Inside

Diabetes is the condition of having excess sugar in our bloodstream. Anything excess in the human body can be an impurity. These impurities usually have a tendency to trouble the person. 

The Connection Between Diabetes And Joint Pain

Diabetes is a combination of various diseases or health problems. It ranges from silly dizziness and tiredness to kidney disorder and blindness. Diabetes is a cafeteria of pain. You will have varieties of them. The prominent one is joint pains. Uncontrolled diabetes for years causes several damage to the human body. It may affect muscles, skeleton, nerves, and joints.

Connection Between Diabetes And Joint Pain

Any of the given damage can hide under the symptom can disguise as joint pain. The diabetic person is at an increased risk of joint pain and the cause always lies hidden. Diabetic neuropathy, arterial disease, and obesity can also cause joint pain. 

Joint Pain Causes and symptoms 

Joint pain is a by-product of diabetes. Uncontrolled diabetes is one of the major causes of joint pain. The underlying cause can be different- diabetes can cause various disorders that may lead to joint pain. 

  • Neuropathic arthropathy: Neuropathic arthropathy is joint damage caused by nerve damage. It is a common complication of diabetes. This is also called Charcot’s joint. It is commonly visible on the feet. Numbness, tingling, loss of sensation, or severe pain are the primary symptoms. The affected area is always warmer than other body parts. The joint may look swollen or reddish. Early diagnosis can restrict the worsening of the situation. Doctors may suggest limiting weight-bearing activities and orthotic support as part of the treatment. 
  • Osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis is a very common joint disorder caused by diabetes. It is the breakdown of joint cartilage. Any joint in your body is at risk of osteoarthritis. It is a common risk factor for Type 2 diabetes. Obesity is also considered a major reason. The symptoms are joint pain, swelling, and stiffness in the joint. You will feel difficulty with the joint movements. You are joints are not flexible then. Proper rest, regular light exercises, and physical therapy are usually recommended. As the pain is severe, you have to take medication for pain. It is said that acupuncture and massage are effective too. 
  • Diabetic Cheiroarthropathy: The disorder is also known as diabetic hand syndrome. This usually affects the finger joints in the hands. The skin of the hands will become thick and finger movement will be painful and restricted here. The cause of this disorder is not known. Usually, diabetic hand syndrome is common in people who had diabetes for a long time. The experts consider uncontrolled diabetes as the major leading force. The movement of finger joints is painful here. Better care for your diabetic conduction can slow down the progress of the condition. But the restricted joint movements cannot reverse. Managing the blood sugar level normal is the one and only precaution. 
  • Osteoporosis: Osteoporosis is diabetes caused by bone and joint disorder which makes bones weak and causes an unexpected and quick fracture. Type 1 diabetes is considered to be the major reason. Bones are prone to fracture here. The risk factor is that this particular disorder never shows symptoms in the initial stage. Symptoms are out only when it is worst. Bone features, loss of height, and changed posture are the major symptoms. A healthy lifestyle in which blood sugar level is normal and weight-bearing exercise after the recommendation of a doctor is considered to be the treatment plan. Vitamin D and calcium-rich food and supplements are the recommended solutions. There are medications also available as part of the treatment plan. 
  • Forestier disease: Forestier disease is a very difficult health condition caused by diabetes. It is also known as dish disorder. The disorder is followed by the hardening of tendons and ligaments that commonly affects the spine. It is associated with type – 2diabetes. The maintenance of bone cells is restricted as a result of long-term diabetes. Symptoms are pain, stiffness, and difficulty in the affected joint. Stiffness in the back neck is a common symptom. Joint replacement is considered a solution even if it is at high risk.
  • Bent fingers: Dupuytren’s contracture is a disorder in which fingers are bent. Fingers are bent towards the palm because of the thickening of connective tissue in the hand. It is common in people who are long-term diabetic. The first noticeable symptom is the thickening of your skin. Gradually, you will not be able to straighten one or two fingers. There is a treatment for inflammation and pain. These days doctors also opt for surgery and collagenase enzyme injection as a remedy. 

Prevention is better than cure

You cannot take diabetes for granted. The blood sugar level must be under control for the well-being of today and tomorrow. Here are a few tips that will help you manage your joint pain. 

👉Stretching exercises are always good for the joints. They prevent joints from decaying and loss of their flexibility.

👉Resistance training helps to strengthen the muscles around the joints. 

👉Be vibrant and keep moving. Always be active with light physical activities. It can be even household chores. Your mindset matters.

👉There are so many supportive braces and socks available these days. They will give external support to the affected joint.

👉According to experts, smoking is a major threat to connecting tissues and joints. Quit smoking for the safety of your joints.

👉Bodyweight determines joint health. Shedding weight if you are obese will reduce joint-related problems. 

👉The deficiency of different nutrients makes bones and joints weak. Using supplements followed by a doctor’s prescription will keep the bones and joints healthy. 

👉For the betterment of the functioning of the hip and knee, it is recommended to do light aerobic exercise. 

Conclusion

You need to be monitored regularly if you are diabetic. Diabetes is a condition that will worsen only if left unmonitored. First thing first – if you are diabetic lifestyle change is very important. It is more important than our comfort and cravings. Through the self-monitoring process, you can invade diabetes.

Stay healthy… Be happy…

About Tim Mathew

Tim Mathew is an Endocrinologist specialized in general endocrinology, diabetes, and lipid metabolism. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in a science-related discipline and completed a medical school program in New York. Once Tim Mathew quoted that Endocrinology is both a challenging and rewarding medical specialty, so he wants to specialize in it. To know more about Tim Mathew kindly go through our about page.

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