Why do diabetics suffer from shoulder pain? This is what an expert has to say | Health News
Diabetes is a silent killer, they say. Not only does it take away the sweetness out of your life, but also comes with a host of other issues that threaten to take from the quality of your life.
Taking to X, Dr Sudhir Kumar, consultant-neurolog with Apollo Hospitals, Hyderabad shared that shoulder pain is commonly caused adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder), and is a fairly common condition among people with diabetes. Those who have suffered from paralysis (due to stroke) may also suffer from shoulder pain (in this case, immobility of shoulder due to weakness precipitates it). He added that physiotherapy and OTC analgesics are helpful in a majority of cases- and if pain perss, one should always consult a doctor.
But, what exactly is the connection between the two?
According to Dr Shubham Vatsya, senior consultant, Fortis Hospital, one of the most under-recognised but common issue among those suffering from diabetes is musculoskeletal issue, including shoulder pain.
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“Long term high blood sugar levels in diabetics (hyperglycemia) leads to the glycation of collagen or other structural proteins present within the connective tissue, and this in turn reduces tissue elasticity and causes stiff shoulders, affecting shoulder mobility.” He shared that diabetics often face reduced muscle mass, known as diabetic myopathy which adds to more stress on the tendons and ligaments, leading to poor shoulder strength and its reduced mobility.
If diabetics have poor blood sugar control, it enhances shoulder pain. (Photo: Getty Images/Thinkstock)
Shoulder pain is also enhanced as a result of chronic inflammation in diabetics, marked as elevated levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines namely IL-6, he added.
What can people do to treat and prevent this pain?
For pain management, Dr Vatsya suggested that non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can be consumed and if the pain is severe, corticosteroids in the form of injections may be given.
“If diabetics have poor blood sugar control, it enhances shoulder pain. Thus management of blood sugar levels adequate hypoglycemic drugs, physical activity and diet is crucial,” he said. For improving motion and flexibility around shoulders, Dr Vatsya recommended targeted exercises. According to him, people should also regularly perform a screening for musculoskeletal problems, especially those who have had diabetes for a long time.Story continues below this ad
DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.
