If you have diabetes and experience pain when moving, it could be due to tendons difficulties. These are bands that connect your muscles to your bones. High blood sugar levels associated with your condition may be contributing to your tendon pain.
Tendons are found throughout your body, including your shoulders, arms, wrists, hips, knees, and ankles. They convey force from your muscles to your bones, allowing you to move.
If you don't control your diabetes, your tendons can stiffen and become more prone to tears.
What effects does diabetes have on my tendons?
Tendon injury occurs in type 1 and type 2 diabetes as a result of chemicals known as advanced glycation end products (AGEs). They arise when protein or fat in your circulation combines with sugar.
AGEs are normally produced by your body at a moderate and regular rate. Nevertheless, if you have diabetes, the excess sugar in your blood accelerates the process, affecting your tendons.
Tendons are comprised of a protein known as collagen. AGEs create a link with it, altering the structure and function of the tendons. For example, they may become thicker than usual and may be unable to support as much weight as they formerly did. As a result, your chances of tearing one of your tendons increase.
What effect can tendon damage have on my diabetes?
Exercise is vital for diabetes management, but it may be difficult to exercise when your tendons are tight and stiff.
Injury to the Achilles tendon in the back of your heel can limit how far your ankle can move. This restricted range of motion leads you to place extra pressure on the middle of your foot with each step, increasing your chance of developing foot ulcers.
See your doctor about techniques to keep your blood sugar levels stable while you recover from tendon issues.
How do I avoid and treat tendon damage?
Getting your diabetes under control is the greatest approach to avoid tendon problems. Reduce your blood sugar levels with food, exercise, and wearing DrLuigi medical footwear. Also, if you're overweight, try to lose some weight. It will boost your health while relieving tension on your tendons.