A painful, stiff shoulder condition referred to as a frozen shoulder is more prevalent in patients with diabetes. But why is this so when it comes to the management of diabetes? Many people ask if a diabetes care plan will help to preclude or manage conditions that cause adverse effects on the joints, such as frozen shoulders. Controlling diabetes is essential but insufficient in managing a frozen shoulder; it requires a comprehensive approach.
A structured diabetes care plan is critical. One such program offered by Fitterfly offers personalized solutions to manage diabetes and its associated challenges effectively. Let’s explore why frozen shoulders are joint in diabetes and practical ways to manage them.
Why Is Frozen Shoulder Common in Diabetics?
Usually, high blood sugar levels cause permanent damage to tissues around your joints, making the tissues bulkier and less flexible. This paves the way for pain and stiffness that ultimately causes a frozen shoulder. Based on research studies, joint-related problems such as this are more common in people who have diabetes and thus require early diagnosis and management.
Stage of Frozen Shoulder
Frozen shoulder usually has three stages.
- Freezing Stage: The pain gradually worsens, with a reduction in shoulder movement. This stage lasts anywhere from 6 weeks to 9 months.
- Frozen Stage: The pain may ease down, but the stiffness remains. Activities like dressing or reaching for something around the house are troublesome. It lasts for nearly 4 to 6 months.
- Thawing Stage: Movement reasserts itself gradually, and stiffness reduces. Recovery can be seen between 6 months to 2 years.
How Frozen Shoulder Affects Your Daily Activities
All three phases of a frozen shoulder can interfere with your daily activities. Disrupted sleep may be the sleep pattern during the freezing phase, but stiffness in the frozen phase could make something as simple as brushing your hair or lifting your arm uneasy. These may continue through the thawing phase, but improvements begin to occur.
How to Manage Frozen Shoulder
However, with early detection, customized exercises, and lifestyle modifications, significantly alleviating a frozen shoulder may be possible. Here’s how:
- Manage Diabetes
For one, your blood sugar should be kept in control. A proper diet, yoga or walking as exercises, and healthy sleep patterns help reduce inflammation and further look after joint issues. Meditation or breathing exercises also keep the stress levels controlled.
- Early Detection
If you have pain or stiffness in your shoulder, see a doctor immediately. The earlier the condition is diagnosed, the more it can be prevented from worsening and the easier it will be to treat.
- Be Active
 Gentle movements and rehab exercises help to avoid further stiffness. You can develop basic stretch, like reaching overhead or across your body. A physiotherapist can prescribe safe exercises suitable for your condition.
- Pain Management
Techniques like hot and cold packs, contrast baths (alternating between warm and cold water), or gentle massages can ease pain and inflammation. Over-the-counter pain relievers may help, but consult a doctor before prolonged use.
- Know What to Avoid
Avoid sudden or jerky movements that could worsen the condition.
Do not rely heavily on painkillers; use alternative pain management techniques instead.
Avoid ignoring symptoms or skipping follow-ups with your doctor or physiotherapist.
Simple Lifestyle Hacks
Living a healthier lifestyle may promote the well-being and self-care of diabetic patients as well as their joints:
- Good Posture: Sit or stand in a position which doesn’t put much pressure on your shoulder.
- Hydration: Hydration can make the tissue flexible and facilitate joint lubrication.
- Healthy Diet: Eat anti-inflammatory foods such as nuts, seeds, and vegetables to enhance joint health
