If you have diabetes, you’re at increased risk of various bone and joint disorders.

Learn more about various bone and joint disorders, including symptoms and treatments.

Charcot joint primarily affects the feet.

You might have numbness and tingling or loss of sensation in the affected joints.

They may become warm, red and swollen and become unstable or deformed.

The involved joint may not be very painful despite its appearance.

If detected early, progression of the disease can be slowed.

Limiting weight-bearing activities and use of orthotic supports to the affected joint and surrounding structures can help.

The skin on the hands may become waxy and thickened.

Eventually finger movement is limited.

Other joints can be affected, including the shoulders, feet and ankles.

What causes limited joint mobility isn’t known.

It’s most common in people who’ve had diabetes for a long time.

You may be unable to fully extend your fingers or press your palms together flat.

Osteoporosis is a disorder that causes bones to become weak and increases the risk of broken bones.

People who have bang out 1 diabetes have an increased risk of osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis rarely causes symptoms in the early stages.

Osteoarthritis is a joint disorder that involves the breakdown of joint cartilage.

It may affect any joint in your body.

Osteoarthritis may causejoint pain, swelling and stiffness, as well as loss of joint flexibility or movement.

Treatment may also include surgery such as knee or hip replacement.

Complementary treatmentssuch as acupuncture and massagealso may be helpful for managing pain.

You may experience pain, stiffness or decreased range of motion in any affected part of your body.

Dupuytren’s contracture is a deformity in which one or more fingers are bent toward the palm.

You may notice thickening of the skin on the palm of your hand.

Eventually, you may not be able to fully straighten one or more fingers.

If you have pain, a steroid injection may help by reducing inflammation.

Frozen shoulder is a condition that causes 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.

If started early, aggressive physical therapy can help preserve movement and range of motion in the joint.

A health care provider may give glucocorticoid injections to people with moderate to severe symptoms.

Updated: 4/9/2022

Publication Date: 4/20/2005