Introduction

If you have diabetes, you're at increased risk of various bone and joint disorders. Factors such as nerve damage (neuropathy), circulation problems, muscle breakdown and obesity may contribute to these problems — but often the cause isn't clear.

Click on the tabs to the left to learn more about various bone and joint disorders, including symptoms and treatment options.

Charcot's joint

What is it?
Charcot's joint, also called neuropathic arthropathy, occurs when a joint deteriorates because of nerve damage — a common complication of diabetes. Charcot's joint primarily affects the feet.

What are the symptoms?
You might have numbness and tingling or loss of sensation in the affected joint. The joint may become unstable, swollen or deformed.

How is it treated?
Early treatment — such as immobilization of the affected joint or use of crutches, braces or other support to reduce weight on the joint — can stop bone destruction and promote healing. Surgery is generally avoided.

Diabetic hand syndrome

What is it?
Diabetic hand syndrome, also called cheiroarthropathy, is a disorder in which the skin on the hands becomes waxy and thickened. Eventually finger movement is limited. What causes diabetic hand syndrome isn't known. It's most common in people who have a long history of diabetes.

What are the symptoms?
You may be unable to fully extend your fingers or to press your palms together flat.

How is it treated?
Stretching exercises can help stabilize or improve joint movement and function. Tight control of blood sugar levels may improve symptoms. Pain relievers or anti-inflammatory medications may help, too.

Osteoporosis

What is it?
Osteoporosis is a disorder that causes bones to become weak and brittle. People who have type 1 diabetes have an increased risk of osteoporosis, likely due to lower than normal bone mineral density.

What are the symptoms?
Osteoporosis rarely causes symptoms in the early stages. Eventually you may experience loss of height, stooped posture or bone fractures.

How is it treated?
Medication can help slow bone loss. Regular exercise and a healthy diet that includes plenty of calcium and vitamin D can promote bone health. Calcium and vitamin D supplements may be recommended, too.

Osteoarthritis

What is it?
Osteoarthritis is a joint disorder characterized by the breakdown of joint cartilage. It may affect any joint in your body. People who have type 2 diabetes have an increased risk of osteoarthritis, likely due to obesity — a risk factor for type 2 diabetes — rather than to the diabetes itself.

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?
Medication can help treat joint pain and inflammation. Regular exercise, weight loss and a healthy diet help, too. Sometimes physical therapy or surgery is recommended.

DISH

What is it?
Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH), also called Forestier's disease, is a hardening of tendons and ligaments that commonly affects the spine. DISH may be associated with type 2 diabetes, perhaps due to insulin or insulin-like growth factors that promote new bone growth.

What are the symptoms?
You may experience pain, stiffness or decreased range of motion in any affected part of your body. If DISH affects your spine, you may experience stiffness in your back or neck.

How is it treated?
Physical therapy can reduce stiffness. Medication and regular exercise can help, too.

Dupuytren's contracture

What is it?
Dupuytren's contracture is a deformity in which one or more fingers are bent toward the palm. It's caused by thickening and scarring of connective tissue in the palm of the hand and in the fingers. Dupuytren's contracture is common in people who have a long history of diabetes, perhaps due to the metabolic changes related to diabetes.

What are the symptoms?
You may notice thickening of the skin on the palm of your hand. Eventually, you not be able to fully straighten one or more fingers.

How is it treated?
Mild cases may not require treatment. If you're in pain or you're unable to complete daily tasks, surgery may be an option.

Frozen shoulder

What is it?
Frozen shoulder is a condition characterized by shoulder pain and limited range of motion. It typically affects only one shoulder. Although the cause is often unknown, diabetes is a common risk factor.

What are the symptoms?
Frozen shoulder typically develops in three stages, each of which can last several months or longer. First pain occurs with any shoulder movement. Then stiffness sets in and range of motion decreases. Finally pain and stiffness improve.

How is it treated?
Frozen shoulder is often treated with medication and physical therapy. Sometimes surgery is an option.