Diabetes Tendonitis Symptoms

People who have diabetes, a condition characterized by abnormally high blood sugar levels, are at an increased risk of developing certain musculoskeletal disorders, such as tendonitis, according to Dr. Mimi Huizinga with Johns Hopkins University. Tendonitis symptoms in diabetic people typically mimic those experienced by people who maintain healthy blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes and develop tendonitis symptoms, talk with your doctor for more information regarding how to alleviate discomfort.

Pain

The most common symptom associated with tendonitis is pain along the affected tendon near a joint, MedlinePlus reports. Tendon pain may vary in severity and may become more pronounced during the night. Physical movements that involve the affected tendon may also exacerbate pain symptoms. You may develop pain in any region of your body including your heel, wrist, shoulder or elbow. Severe pain may limit your ability to move the affected body region normally. If you experience chronic tendon or joint pain, seek additional care from your physician.

Swelling or Redness

Tendonitis may cause swelling around the site of tendon damage, MayoClinic.com reports. You may notice that the affected region appears puffy, inflamed or flushed and feels warm to the touch. Extensive swelling may make it difficult for you to bend or extend the joint nearest to the affected tendon. You may also feel a small lump or mass along the inflamed tendon. Typically, these symptoms of tendonitis in diabetic people are accompanied by mild to moderate pain.

Weakness

A tendon is a tough piece of tissue that connects a muscle to the end of a bone. Tendon inflammation resulting from tendonitis may disrupt this connection, which can lead to symptom of weakness, the National Health Service explains. Tendon or muscle weakness may affect your ability to perform your usual physical activities, such as climbing a flight of stairs or lifting a bag of groceries. Talk with your physician if you experience severe or progressive weakness to ensure you receive appropriate medical care.

References

Article reviewed by Rachel Mattison Last updated on: Nov 12, 2010

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