NEW DELHI, JUNE 14: Doctors are warning that diabetes is increasingly contributing to a rise in musculoskeletal and orthopaedic disorders, including frozen shoulder, trigger finger, chronic tendon pain, nerve compression syndromes, and early joint degeneration.
Experts say persistently high blood sugar levels can damage collagen, tendons, ligaments, and nerves, leading to pain, stiffness, reduced mobility, and a decline in overall quality of life.
Dr. Skand Sinha, Professor at the Sports Injury Centre, VMMC and Safdarjung Hospital, said younger individuals are increasingly presenting with conditions such as frozen shoulder and tendon disorders, traditionally associated with older age.
According to specialists, prolonged exposure to high blood sugar results in the formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs), which make connective tissues less elastic and more vulnerable to degeneration. Diabetes also reduces blood supply to tissues and promotes chronic inflammation, increasing the risk of musculoskeletal complications.
Dr. Abhimanyu Kumar, Senior Consultant in Orthopaedics at Sitaram Bhartia Institute of Science and Research, noted that orthopaedic symptoms are often the first indication of undiagnosed or poorly controlled diabetes.
“We frequently encounter patients with frozen shoulder, trigger finger, or unexplained joint stiffness who are later diagnosed with diabetes. In many cases, these musculoskeletal problems serve as an early warning sign of an underlying metabolic disorder,” he said.
Experts added that poor glycaemic control can accelerate cartilage damage, delay tissue healing, and increase the likelihood of complications following fractures or orthopaedic surgeries.
Dr. Sarvesh Pandey, Joint Replacement and Arthroscopic Surgeon at Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, said frozen shoulder affects an estimated 10–30 per cent of people with diabetes, compared to only 2–3 per cent of the general population. Trigger finger and several other hand-related disorders are also significantly more common among diabetics.
Doctors stressed the importance of early diagnosis and regular screening, urging patients not to ignore persistent shoulder pain, stiffness, finger locking, or joint discomfort. Early intervention through physiotherapy, exercise programmes, and advanced treatment options can help prevent disability and preserve mobility.
Experts emphasised that maintaining good blood sugar control, healthy body weight, regular physical activity, and routine medical check-ups remain crucial in reducing the risk of diabetes-related musculoskeletal complications.
