“India is the “Diabetes Capital of the World” with over 60 million affected people and that is projected to at least double by 2030. Diabetes is recognized as a major lifestyle disease with high blood sugar levels. Healthy diet with regular exercises, control of blood glucose level with medications and regular health checks are crucial in maintaining good health in diabetic patients.
Diabetic patients are at increased risk of various bone and joint disorders like Frozen shoulder, Osteoarthritis, Osteoporosis and Carpal Tunnel syndrome” says Dr. R. Vijayaraj, MBBS, Orthopaedics Consultant, Sri Ramakrishna Hospital.
Dr.R.Vijayaraj shares with us on the orthopedic-related conditions that could affect diabetic patients, symptoms and treatment methodologies.
Frozen shoulder
What is it?
Frozen shoulder is a condition characterized by shoulder pain and limited range of motion.
What are the symptoms?
Frozen shoulder causes pain with shoulder movement, stiffness of the joint and night pain
How is it treated?
If started early, Injection into the joint and physical therapy can help to preserve movement and range of motion in the joint. If severe, then need Manipulation surgery or keyhole surgery would be required.
Osteoarthritis
What is it?
Osteoarthritis is a joint disorder characterized by the breakdown of joint cartilage affecting any joint in the body.
What are the symptoms?
Osteoarthritis may cause joint pain, swelling and stiffness, as well as loss of joint flexibility or movement.
How is it treated?
Treatment involves exercising and maintaining a healthy weight, caring for and resting the affected joint, physical therapy, medications for pain. In cases with severe arthritis, surgery such as knee replacement and hip replacement is suggested which would help the patient have a pain free life.
Osteoporosis
What is it?
Osteoporosis is a disorder that causes bones to become weak and prone to fracture. It is important to note that people are diabetic have an increased risk of osteoporosis.
What are the symptoms?
Osteoporosis causes bone pain in the early stages. Eventually, when the disease is more advanced, you may experience loss of height, stooped posture and bone fractures.
How is it treated?
A healthy lifestyle, including exercise, such as walking and eating a balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin-D is ideal. In some patients with more severe or advanced disease, medications to prevent further bone loss or increase bone mass may be needed.
Carpal tunnel syndrome
What is it?
This occurs when one of the major nerves to the hand - the median nerve - is squeezed or compressed as it travels through the wrist.
What are the symptoms?
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common condition that causes pain, numbness, and tingling in the hand and arm.
How is it treated?
In most patients, carpal tunnel syndrome gets worse over time, so early diagnosis and treatment are very important. Early on, symptoms can often be relieved with simple measures like wearing a wrist splint or avoiding certain activities. If pressure on the median nerve continues, however, it can lead to nerve damage and worsening symptoms. To prevent permanent damage, surgery to take pressure off the median nerve may be recommended for some patients.