Diabetes & Joint Pain
Unfortunately, diabetes and joint pain often go together. Pain management, sugar control, medications and physical therapy are the primary methods used to control the pain associated with joint pain. Charcot's joint, diabetic hand, osteoarthritis and frozen shoulder are the most common conditions that are associated with diabetes and joint pain.
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Significance
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Diabetics are at risk for several types of bone diseases that affect primarily the joints. Joint pain is associated with these diseases. Pain management, exercise and lifestyle changes are often the only way to find relief from joint pain.
Prevention/Solution
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The best prevention for joint pain associated with diabetes is to control weight and sugar levels with proper nutrition and daily exercise. According to CNN Health report, the common factors that cause joint pain in diabetics is obesity, nerve damage, circulation problems and atrophy. (See References.)
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Considerations
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There are some types of bone diseases that diabetics are at risk for that don't affect the joints and are painless. However, there are other bone diseases that specifically attack the joints and can be quite painful. Pain management, sugar control and exercise are important in managing these types of bone diseases.
Types
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Charcot joints is a bone disease that affects the joints in the feet. It can leave a diabetic crippled and deformed because the joints are destroyed due to neuropathy. Braces, supporting foot wear and crutches are used to manage the pain associated with this disease by reducing the weight on the joints.
Diabetic hand syndrome happens when the joints in the hand are restricted because the skin on the hands becomes waxy and thick. The pain associated with this disease is controlled with hand supports and physical therapy. Controlling sugars tightly can reduce how quickly this disease progresses and reduce pain.
Osteoarthritis is very common in many diabetics. The joints become inflamed, particularly with repetitive use or strain. There is also pain associated with the joints being rested too long. For this reason, many diabetics feel the worst joint pain during the early morning hours after resting during the night. Resistance exercises, drugs for inflammation, physical therapy and surgery are used to manage the pain associated in the joints from osteoarthritis.
Frozen shoulder is a joint condition that is typically limited to only diabetics. The condition progresses through three stages. The shoulder initially enters the painful stage. Any movement in the shoulder joint is painful. The second stage of frozen shoulder is characterized by limited mobility and pain. The final stage is thawing, where range of motion increases and pain diminishes. There is no steadfast treatment for the condition. Each stage can last up to one year and recurrence is typical.
Resistance Training
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One effective method for diabetics to reduce joint pain is through resistance training and exercise. The additional muscle strength supports the joints and makes the joints more flexible. This in turn, reduces the amount of joint pain experienced. According to Sheri Colberg, PhD, the author of "The 7 Steps Diabetes Fitness Plan" book, exercise is key to building up muscle mass. You are better able to control blood sugars and utilize carbohydrates in the body. (See References.)
Glucosamine Treatment
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Glucosamine is an over-the-counter dietary supplement recommended for generalized joint pain. This supplement is used for arthritis, joint injury recovery and even for diabetics that suffer from joint pain. The good news about glucosamine is it does not adversely affect control of glucose levels in diabetics. According to Diabetes National Forecast magazine, some people with diabetes and joint pain notice a difference while taking glucosamine, while others notice no significant change. (See References.)
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