Frozen shoulder: Common symptom of diabetes

Diabetic screening generally includes fasting blood sugar test, blood test post lunch and the HbA1c; but experts recommend screening for frozen shoulder to be included in the various tests because frozen shoulder is known to be the most common among those suffering from diabetes. People who fall under the 40 to 60 age bracket are said to be the most vulnerable, especially women. The ailment causes severe pain and stiffness in the shoulder area at nights and gradually gets worse as it progresses, say experts.

“With symptoms like excessive thirst, passing excess urine, a slow healing wound and unexplained tiredness, one also needs to watch out for frozen shoulder as this too is commonly regarded as an indication of diabetes now,” said Dr Sidharth Sharma, Sports Medicine and Arthroscopy Specialist, Shalby hospitals. “The frozen shoulder not just leaves patients writhing in pain but restricts their ease of movement and even routine activities,” he added.

Frozen shoulder can be diagnosed with the help of a MRI or CT scan which will show a fluid build up in the affected area. Flexible tissue that surrounds the shoulder joint will also be inflamed and thickened. “It can be treated with pain killers, shoulder steroid injections and physiotherapy. It rarely requires surgical intervention. But since shoulder disabilities associated with diabetes have a great impact on the quality of life, diabetic screening should include mandatory screening for frozen shoulder too,” said Dr Sidharth.Physiotherapists generally recommend several exercises including pendulum stretch, towel stretch, finger walk, cross body reach, armpit stretch, outward rotation and inward rotation, for diabetics detected with frozen shoulder.

Endocrinologists insist that people watch out for frequent eye infections such as inflammation of the eye, fungal infections and skin infections. Doctors warn that there can be a prolonged phase of asymptomatic diabetes as those suffering from it show no symptoms at all.

CAN BE DIAGNOSED

Frozen shoulder can be diagnosed with the help of a MRI or CT scan which will show a fluid build up in the affected area. Flexible tissue that surrounds the shoulder joint will also be thickened.

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