Diabetes can affect the bones and joints in various parts of the body. For a diabetic, hands may be affected in several ways. Poor blood sugar control, characteristic of diabetes, can change the protein and collagen in a patient’s tissues, damaging small blood vessels and causing musculoskeletal disorders of the hands. In addition, diabetic neuropathies, or nerve disorders common in diabetics, can damage the hands over time. People with diabetes may experience problems with their hands including numbness, stiff-hand syndrome and carpal tunnel syndrome. While not all diabetics will develop these conditions, those who do may find it increasingly difficult to carry out day-to-day activities.
Diabetic Neuropathy Symptoms: Hands
For a diabetic, hands related issues can indicate a problem with the nerves in the body. Approximately 60 to 70 percent of people with diabetes experience some form of nerve disorders, or neuropathy, with the highest rates among patients who have had diabetes for 25 years or longer. Symptoms may include numbness, pain or tingling in the hands, as well as wasting of the muscles in the hands. Other symptoms of nerve damage may include nausea, indigestion, vomiting, and dizziness. Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is also common among people with diabetic neuropathy. Symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome may include tingling and numbness in the thumb, index, middle and ring fingers, and occasionally in the pinkie as well. Patients with diabetes may feel like their hands have fallen asleep. These symptoms may be worse at night, causing the diabetic to wake up; in addition, CTS sufferers may have a hard time flexing their wrists when carrying out activities during the day.
Treating Diabetic Neuropathy in Hands
Like many effects of diabetes, the discomfort of diabetic hands can be alleviated by controlling one’s blood glucose levels. Maintaining healthy glucose levels can protect nerves throughout the body. People with diabetes should work with their doctors to control their glucose levels through proper nutrition, exercise, weight loss and, as directed, medication and insulin. In addition, doctors may the treat pain of diabetic neuropathy with oral medications such as antidepressants and anticonvulsants. Other treatments for the pain of diabetic hands may include acupuncture, biofeedback or physical therapy.
For those with carpal tunnel syndrome, doctors may advise them to reduce or discontinue activity that stresses the median nerve, a major nerve that passes through the carpal tunnel of the wrist. Other treatments may involve wearing a splint or receiving corticosteroid injections into the carpal tunnel to reduce inflammation. Occasionally, if other treatments are ineffective or the condition causes disability, a doctor may recommend surgery.
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