Dr. Sudhir Kumar, consultant neurologist at Apollo Hospital, Hyderabad, India, shares that shoulder pain is often caused by encephalitis. This is a common condition in people with diabetes. In addition, people with paralysis (caused by stroke) can also experience shoulder pain, when shoulder immobility is caused by muscle weakness.
Dr. Sudhir Kumar added that physical therapy and OTC painkillers are often effective in most cases. However, if the pain persists, the patient should consult a doctor.
The link between diabetes and shoulder pain
According to Dr. Shubham Vatsya, senior consultant at Fortis Hospital, India, one of the common causes of diabetic shoulder pain is adenoid lumpyloid inflammation, also known as shoulder stiffness.
This is a condition of inflammation and stiffness of the tissues around the shoulder joints, making it impossible for the shoulders to move normally. People with diabetes are at higher risk of developing the condition, and symptoms often include pain and limited mobility.
In addition, prolonged high blood sugar levels in people with diabetes can cause glycation (creating the last glycation products), damaging collagen and other structural proteins in connective tissue. This process reduces tissue elasticity and causes shoulder stiffness, leading to pain and difficulty moving.
In addition, people with diabetes may also experience diabetes, in which muscle mass is reduced, increasing stress on tendons and ligaments. This leads to poor shoulder strength and reduced shoulder mobility, thereby causing pain and discomfort.
"Another condition to note is that diabetes can cause chronic inflammation in the body, with higher levels of inflammatory cytokines (such as IL2) . This can increase sensitivity and pain in joints, including shoulder joints, says Dr. Shubham Vatsya.
How to treat and prevent shoulder pain
To control pain, Dr. Vatsya recommends the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). If the pain is severe, corticosteroid injections may be an option.
Mr. Vatsya emphasized that if diabetics do not control their blood sugar levels well, the shoulder pain will become more severe.
Therefore, controlling blood sugar levels through hypoglycemic drugs, physical activity and diet is very important.
To improve mobility and flexibility around the shoulders, Dr. Vatsya recommends that patients do targeted exercises. At the same time, regularly check for musculoskeletal problems, especially those with long-term diabetes.
