Diabetes is a chronic condition that can cause a lot of other health-related complications if it is not handled at the right time. With diabetes, you are also prone to a lot of joint and bone disorders. The causes of these disorders can be related to obesity, nerve damage, or arterial disease. A concrete cause for these disorders is still unknown.
Bone Disorders Associated With Diabetes
Let us have a look at the bone disorders which can be caused as a result of diabetes-
Limited Joint Mobility
Limited hand mobility is also known as diabetic hand syndrome. It may also cause the skin around your hands to become thick and have a waxy texture. This also causes limited finger movement. This causes problems in fully extending your fingers and pressing your palms together.
Charcot Joint
This bone disorder is also known as neuropathic arthropathy. The joints in your body are weakened due to nerve damage. This disorder can permanently affect your feet. You may experience a tingling sensation and numbness in the joint which has been affected. As a corrective measure, you should avoid weight-bearing exercises.
Osteoporosis
This disorder makes your bones weak. It may also lead to a risk of broken bones. It is more common in people who have Type 1 diabetes. If the condition is aggravated, it can even lead to a stooped posture and loss of height. To improve this condition, you can practice weight-bearing exercises and try walking on an everyday basis.
Osteoarthritis
This disorder can cause a breakdown of joint cartilage. This condition happens in Type 2 diabetic people who are overweight or obese. The symptoms of Osteoarthritis include loss of joint flexibility, swelling, stiffness and joint pain. You can treat this condition by maintaining a healthy body weight, physical therapy and resting the affected joint.
DISH (Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal Hyperostosis)
Forestier Disease or Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal Hyperostosis (DISH) affects your spine. It causes your ligaments and tendons to harden. As insulin affects new bone growth, this condition is linked with Type 2 diabetes. Symptoms include stiffness and pain in the affected part of your body. Treatment for this condition includes using pain relievers and injections to reduce the pain.
Frozen Shoulder
This disorder can cause limited motion and pain in your shoulder. Diabetes is a risk factor for this disorder. It usually affects just one shoulder. Treatment can include aggressive physical therapy. Injections can be used to treat mild or severe symptoms.
A good way to avoid bone-related problems when it comes to diabetes is by keeping your blood sugar levels under the controlled range. You can do this by eating a fiber-rich diet, exercising on a regular basis, and regularly monitoring your sugar levels. When you know whether your blood glucose level is high, low, or within the normal range, you will be able to make the right changes to your diet and lifestyle.
Always speak to your doctor or health coach if you want to make changes in your diabetic diet or lifestyle. You need to take expert advice in case of a diabetic emergency where your sugar level is too high or too low.
