What is Diabetic cheiroarthropathy

Diabetes may affect the muscle and joint systems in a variety of ways. Diabetic cheiroarthropathy, also known as diabetic ‘stiff hand syndrome’, is commonly found in patients with type 1 diabetes and to a lesser extent, type 2 diabetes.

Statistics on Diabetic cheiroarthropathy

Diabetic cheiroarthropathy is found in 8% to 50% of all patients with type 1 diabetes, and a similar proportion of patients with type 2 diabetes. The longer someone has diabetes, the more likely it is that they will develop ‘stiff hand syndrome’.

Risk Factors for Diabetic cheiroarthropathy

The longer someone has diabetes, the more likely it is that they will develop diabetic cheiroarthropathy.

How is Diabetic cheiroarthropathy Treated?

There is currently no known way to reverse the effects of diabetic cheiroarthropathy. Control of blood sugar levels is one of the most important aspects, both to help prevent the development of diabetic cheiroarthropathy and other complications. Physiotherapy and occupational therapy are important to maintain hand mobility and prevent further loss of movement.

Diabetic cheiroarthropathy References

[1] Aljahlan, Lee, Toth. Limited joint mobility in diabetes. (1999) Vol 105; No. 2 Postgraduate Medicine.
[available online @ http://www.postgradmed.com/issues/1999/02_99/aljahlan.htm] [2] Fisher L, Kurtz A, Shipley M. Association between cheiroarthropathy and frozen shoulder in patients with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. Br J Rheumatol 1986;25(2):141-6
[3] Ismail, Dasgupta, Tanqueray, et al. Ultrasonographic features of diabetic cheiroarthropathy. The British Journal of Rheumatology, Vol 35, 676-679.
[4] Kim, Edelman, Kim. Musculoskeletal Complications of Diabetes Mellitus.
[available online @ http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/]

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