Diabetes muscle aches are classified as any type of pain or discomfort experienced in the muscles. As there are numerous types of muscles, including skeletal, smooth, and cardiac, aches, and pains may be felt throughout the entire body. Skeletal muscles are the muscles that are connected to bones via tendons and are responsible for major movement. Smooth muscles are muscles that form the autonomic nervous system and may be inactive or responsive to certain hormones and stimuli while cardiac muscles are the muscles that make up the heart, but are regulated in the same manner as smooth muscles.
Individuals may feel pain or diabetes muscle aches in their heart, legs, feet, or brain, just to name a few areas that may become inflamed.There are numerous ways which diabetes can contribute to aches and pains. One way is through atherosclerosis, which is what happens when muscles and tissues have decreased blood flow. This condition can cause cramping, painful gait, and even death of the targeted muscle. This condition becomes grave when the affected muscle is the heart. If circulation to the heart is restricted, a patient may suffer from heart attack or death.
Atrophy can also set in. When muscles are not used, the tissue in the muscles can become thick and eventually waste away. When this occurs, the fingers, hands, toes, and feet can take on strange contractual appearances. Similarly, diabetic amyotrophy can cause nerve damage, which results in muscle loss, aches, pain, and twitching.Muscle aches and diabetes are conditions that go hand-in-hand, so it is important to understand the symptoms in order to prevent muscle loss and eliminate pain.
Diabetes Muscle Aches – Treatment
Diabetes muscle aches can be treated with over the counter pain medicines for occasional use. As these medicines are not compatible with frequent ingestion as it damages the kidneys, diabetic should look to other alternative sources of pain relief. Alternative methods include physical activity, such as walking, stretching, and yoga. Exercises that are weight bearing and cardiovascular in nature are great for getting the recommended daily quota of exercise and for strengthening muscles and bones. Since diabetics are also plagued with osteoporosis and osteoarthritis, these exercises are beneficial in multiple ways.
If individuals are in great pain, but need physical activity, they can consider exercise that does not put weight on their affected muscles and limbs. Swimming is a terrific sport that provides cardiovascular endurance and muscle stretching.It is also advantageous for overweight and obese individuals who find other forms of exercise difficult to perform.
Some patients may notice increased range of movement and decreased pain with the use of massage therapy and acupuncture. Whatever course of treatment, or combination of treatments, works for a diabetic in pain is the method they should follow, whether it is abnormal or not. The goal of treatment is to find relief from pain.
Diabetes Muscle Aches – Prevention
The best way to preventdiabetes muscle aches is to control one’s blood glucose level through proper diet, adequate physical exercise, and to refrain from damaging habits, such as smoking, drinking, and drug use. Consulting with a doctor regularly regarding an individual’s symptoms and any changes they experience will help ensure they are getting the best care.
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