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DIABETES-ORTHOPAEDICS


Diabetes and Orthopedics: A Comprehensive Overview

Diabetes and its impact on the musculoskeletal system are closely intertwined. This article delves into the key aspects of this critical connection.

Diabetic Impact on the Musculoskeletal System:

  • Neuropathy: Elevated blood sugar damages nerves, leading to numbness, tingling, and pain, particularly in the lower extremities. This increases vulnerability to unnoticed injuries and foot ulcers.
  • Peripheral artery disease (PAD): Diabetes often promotes blood vessel damage, hindering blood flow to the feet and legs. This impairs wound healing and elevates infection risks.
  • Weakened bones: Diabetes may exacerbate bone weakening, increasing susceptibility to fractures, especially in older adults.

Common Orthopedic Complications:

  • Foot ulcers: Open sores, typically on the feet, result from the combined effects of neuropathy and PAD. Unmanaged, they can lead to infections and amputations.
  • Charcot neuroarthropathy: This severe complication involves bone and joint destruction in the feet due to nerve damage, potentially leading to deformity and amputations.
  • Fractures: Individuals with diabetes are at higher risk of fractures, especially in the lower extremities, owing to weakened bones and impaired healing.
  • Frozen shoulder (Adhesive capsulitis): This condition, characterized by stiffness and pain in the shoulder joint, may occur more frequently in individuals with diabetes due to inflammation and tissue changes.
  • Tendonitis and bursitis: Inflammation of tendons and bursae (fluid-filled sacs cushioning joints) in the hands, wrists, elbows, and shoulders can be more common in people with diabetes.
  • Hand deformities: Dupuytren's contracture, a condition causing fingers to curl inwards, is more prevalent in individuals with diabetes.
  • Spinal issues: Diabetes may increase the risk of developing lower back pain and spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal).
  • Osteoarthritis: While not directly caused by diabetes, the combination of inflammation, weight gain, and joint instability linked to diabetes can contribute to the development or progression of osteoarthritis in various joints.
Management and Prevention:

Strict glycemic control: Maintaining optimal blood sugar levels is crucial for preventing and managing orthopedic complications.
Meticulous foot care: Daily foot checks for injuries and infection signs are essential. Choosing well-fitting shoes and avoiding going barefoot are key preventive measures.
Regular exercise: Physical activity promotes blood sugar control and improves circulation, reducing complication risks.
Balanced diet: A healthy diet bolsters blood sugar management and overall health, mitigating complication risks.
Proactive medical care: Regular consultations with your healthcare provider enable early detection and management of potential issues.

Remember:

  • Diabetes significantly impacts the musculoskeletal system, necessitating proactive measures. By meticulously managing diabetes, adhering to preventive foot care routines, engaging in regular exercise, consuming a balanced diet, and receiving consistent medical care, individuals with diabetes can significantly reduce their risk of developing orthopedic complications.
Dr.Naveen Chowdary Tummala
SCOT : Dr. Naveen's Bone and Joint Clinic, Sholinganallur
9094568894 , 9094567893

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