That’s because diabetes itself not only causes problems related to blood sugar, but it can also damage the bones, tendons, ligaments, muscles and nerve tissues.

Although some joint conditions cannot be cured, many can be treated using therapies like anti-inflammatory medications, steroid injections or minimally invasive surgical procedures.

If you, a family member or a friend has diabetes, it is helpful to learn about the joint conditions that are most commonly associated with the disease. That way, you can recognize any symptoms and make an appointment with your doctor for early diagnosis.

Joint Conditions Commonly Associated with Diabetes

Adhesive Capsulitis (Frozen Shoulder)

People with diabetes can be at a greater risk for frozen shoulder, a condition in which the shoulder joint gradually becomes more painful and the range of motion becomes increasingly limited. Frozen shoulder can improve by itself, but it can take months or even years. Steroids can often help.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Diagnosing carpal tunnel syndrome in those with diabetes can be challenging. That’s because people with diabetes may also have peripheral neuropathy, a nerve issue that causes many of the same symptoms as carpal tunnel syndrome, such as tingling and numbness. A doctor may schedule nerve conduction studies to help diagnose the underlying issue.

Charcot Foot

This condition causes swelling in the foot (and sometimes the ankle) and can progress until it causes deformity. Other signs to look for include redness, a feeling of warmth in the foot and pain. A doctor may be able to treat it using a foot cast.

Diabetic Hand Syndrome

This disorder causes the hands to become waxy and thickened due to an excess of collagen that develops directly below the skin. This syndrome also causes finger movement to become extremely limited.

Dupuytren’s Contracture

Dupuytren’s contracture is an abnormal, painless thickening of the connective fascia tissue located beneath the skin. Eventually, it can cause a deformity in which one or more fingers stays bent toward the palm.

Osteoarthritis

People who are overweight or obese are at risk for type 2 diabetes, and they are also at risk of developing osteoarthritis because the excess weight puts more strain on their joints. When people with diabetes reach the age of 50, they should talk to their doctor about their risk, since the disease becomes more likely with age. There are several non-surgical treatment options available for osteoarthritis.

Osteoporosis

People with diabetes can be at higher risk for a bone-thinning disease known as osteoporosis. The bones can ultimately become so weak that they can break as a result of a minor fall. They can even break from something as simple as sneezing or coughing.

Trigger Finger

Inflammation of the tendons in the finger can cause it to bend, resulting in a condition called trigger finger. The finger can make a popping or clicking sound when a person tries to extend the hand or fingers. A doctor can treat it using splints, medications or if needed, surgery.

Talk to Your Orthopaedic Doctor

In addition to recognizing these signs and getting help early on, another way to better manage and minimize the discomfort of diabetes-related joint pain is exercise. Although it may sometimes be challenging to want to exercise, doing so can help improve both diabetes and arthritis. Talk to your doctor about what exercise might be appropriate for you if you have diabetes, joint pain or both.

If it has, it means you could realize two major benefits before the year is out: saving costs and getting the orthopedic procedure you need to treat your joint pain.

How does it work? After you have met your deductible, your health plan will pay all or a portion of covered services for the rest of the year, depending on the terms of your individual plan. But — if you wait until January 1, 2019 when your deductible resets to zero, you’ll be paying much more for the same procedure, since you’ll have to first pay out of pocket to meet your deductible.

Minimally-Invasive Orthopedic Procedure May Be an Option

Oftentimes, orthopedic procedures can be performed using minimally invasive techniques. That means if your procedure is performed before the end of the year, your recovery may be quicker than a traditional surgery — so you can be back in even better shape than you were before soon after the New Year begins.

One minimally invasive technique called arthroscopy might be right for you. It can be used to treat a variety of orthopedic conditions and is offered on an outpatient basis. Arthroscopy allows a doctor to see directly into the joint using a small device with a light attached to a very thin tube that is connected to a video apparatus called an arthroscope. This allows a doctor to both diagnose a problem and treat it.

Benefits of Arthroscopic Surgery Include:

• Less anesthesia is needed
• Less pain
• Smaller incisions
• Reduced blood loss
• Reduced risk of infection
• No hospital stay
• Faster recovery
• Less scarring

Start Out the New Year with Less Pain

If you are experiencing pain in a specific area, there are procedures you can schedule before the end of the year that can help. For instance:

• Back Pain: There are many different types of back pain, along with a variety of orthopedic procedures for treatment. One is called discectomy, which removes a herniated disk so it no longer pinches a nerve.
• Foot Pain: Bunion surgery and hammertoe correction are examples of orthopedic procedures a doctor can perform that correct a deformity, as well as relieve pain.
• Hand and Wrist Pain: If you are tired of coping with the numbness, tingling and pain that carpal tunnel syndrome is causing, now could be a good time to schedule a carpal tunnel release procedure. During the procedure, a ligament is cut to release pressure on the median nerve causing the pain.
• Shoulder Pain: Rotator cuff tendinitis is a condition that usually occurs over time. An orthopedic surgeon can perform rotator cuff repair surgery to treat it.

How to Schedule Your Orthopedic Procedure

• In order to ensure your orthopedic provider will be able to fit you in the schedule before the end of the year, make your appointment as soon as possible so you do not miss the opportunity.
• Start by scheduling a consultation, if you haven’t already had one. During the consultation, your surgeon will educate you about the procedure and will explain benefits and risks.
• At the end of the consultation, you can schedule your appointment. Your orthopedic surgeon’s staff will help you and will discuss dates that are available prior to the end of the year.

One final tip: If you’re not certain your annual deductible has been met, check your plan statement and call your health insurance provider to confirm.

Regardless of what your health is like today, chances are at some point you will need to go to a multispecialty surgery center or another healthcare provider for medical procedure.

If you don’t know a lot about multispecialty surgery centers, it’s wise to know about what they offer before you need their services. There are many benefits to being treated in one of these independent facilities as compared to a hospital, such as:

• Ability to go home the same day as the surgery—no need for an overnight hospital stay
• Easy scheduling and access for patients and families
• Reduced costs—patients may much less than they would for the same procedure in a hospital
• Reduced risk of infections as compared to hospitals

Here are some of the most common outpatient procedures performed at multispecialty surgery centers:

1. Carpal Tunnel Surgery: Carpal tunnel release is a type of surgery used to treat to carpal tunnel syndrome. During the procedure a ligament is cut to take pressure off the nerve causing the pain.

2. Cataract Surgery: If a person experiences vision loss due to the lens of their eye becoming cloudy, cataract surgery may be recommended. During cataract surgery, an eye doctor removes the damaged lens and replaces it with an artificial one.

3. Colonoscopy: During a colonoscopy a flexible device with a camera is inserted into the rectum, and the doctor uses it to find growths called polyps. Sometimes, they can be removed at the same time that they are detected.

4. Cystoscopy: If someone is having bladder issues, a doctor may use a cystoscope, which is a thin tube with a camera and light on the end. This device is inserted into the urethra, then water is administered through it. This stretches the bladder, so the doctor can better see the area.

5. Hysteroscopy: If a woman is having unusual vaginal bleeding, has had several miscarriages or has another gynecologic problem, a gynecologist may schedule a hysteroscopy. This procedure uses a hysteroscope which is a thin, lighted device that is inserted through the vagina and into the cervix so the doctor can view the uterus.

6. Incision Procedures on the Middle Ear: Sometimes a doctor can relieve a patient’s ear pain by making a tiny incision in the eardrum. This procedure, called a myringotomy, relieves pressure caused by fluid build-up.

7. Knee Arthroscopy: If a patient has a knee problem like an ACL tear or cartilage problems, the doctor may use knee arthroscopy to treat it. An arthroscope is a surgical tool with a tiny camera. The doctor makes tiny incisions and inserts this device and surgical tools in the damaged area to further diagnose it or treat it.

8. Paravertebral Facet Joint Block and Facet Joint Denervation: If spinal facet joints are injured or become arthritic, facet joint denervation may be used. It is a procedure where a heated needle is inserted to damage the nerve, which also kills the pain. A steroid also be injected into the area, too, which can block the pain.

9. Shoulder Arthroscopy: Sometimes shoulder arthroscopy will be used to treat the shoulder issue such as a rotator cuff tear. This procedure uses a surgical tool with a tiny camera called an arthroscope. The arthroscope can be inserted into an incision in the shoulder, allowing a doctor to view and treat the area.

10. Upper GI Endoscopy: If a person has a problematic stomach ache, vomiting or heartburn a doctor may recommend an upper GI endoscopy. This is a procedure that uses a device called an endoscope, which is a flexible thin tube with a camera. The doctor can use it to view the inside of the food pipe (esophagus), the stomach and the first part of the small intestine.

If a disc in the spine herniates, a doctor may recommend herniated disc surgery. Understanding more about what happens when discs herniate, as well as the treatment options available, can help you know if surgery might be right for you or a family member — now or in the future.

When a Disc Herniates

Spinal discs are spongy cushions located between the vertebrae. If discs become worn or injured, the bones of the vertebra can rub together leading to pain and other problems.

Discs can also become herniated (pressed out from between the bones). Sometimes, herniated discs can rupture. When a disc ruptures in this way, it may pinch nerves, leading to pain, weakness and numbness. A herniated disc is also referred to as a “slipped,” “ruptured” or “prolapsed” disc.

Symptoms of a Herniated Disc

If symptoms don’t improve after a few months, a doctor or surgeon may recommend a type of herniated disc surgery. The goal of herniated disc surgery is to take pressure off of the nerves that are being irritated by the damaged disc.

If you or someone you care about is struggling with one or some of the following issues, herniated disc surgery could be the best option:

• Difficulty standing or walking
• Difficulty sleeping due to spine pain
• Inability to perform daily activities
• Pain, in addition to numbness or weakness
• Issues with incontinence (bowel and bladder control)

Treatment for Disc Herniation

Every patient with a herniated disc has unique circumstances and challenges related to the disc. For instance, some ruptures may happen to the lumber (lower) discs and may be severe. Other ruptures may occur farther up the spine and may be mild.

Fortunately, there are several different surgeries doctors can use to treat herniated discs.

Discectomy

During this procedure, the herniated disc is removed. Depending on the patient, the surgeon may be able to use a minimally invasive procedure called microdiscectomy. This surgical option involves smaller incisions than traditional surgery, and the surgeon may remove all or just part of the damaged material. The traditional surgery, called open discectomy, is also an option.

Lumbar Laminotomy

Lamina is a term used to describe bone tissue that protects the spinal cord. Sometimes it needs to be removed so the surgeon can access and treat a herniated disc. When only part of the lamina is removed, it is called a laminotomy. When all or most of it is removed, the procedure is called a laminectomy.

Depending on the patient, there may need to be two separate procedures: one to address the lamina and another to remove the herniated disc.

Spinal Fusion

Another surgery option is a spinal fusion. This procedure happens after a discectomy or laminotomy. During spinal fusion, the surgeon fuses the two vertebrae on either side of the disc, so they heal into a single bone. A fusion is used to stabilize the bones and reduce or eliminate pain.

Artificial Disc Replacement

As an alternative to spinal fusion, sometimes a damaged disc can be replaced with an artificial one. However, this surgery can only be used on the lumbar vertebrae (the discs at the bottom of the spine).

After Herniated Disc Surgery

Herniated disc surgery can relieve pain, weakness and numbness. However, as with any surgery, patients need to practice proper self-care during recovery and rehabilitation. This means consistently following doctors’ instructions, taking proper doses of medications, walking when instructed, attending physical therapy and performing prescribed exercises.

Even though the majority of people use their feet every day, many put off seeing a foot doctor — also known as a podiatrist — if they have foot pain. Reasons people put off visiting the doctor vary but generally fall into these categories:

• They believe their foot pain will go away on its own
• They think the foot issue is not severe enough to warrant seeing a podiatrist
• They do not recognize common foot problems or know that they can be treated
• They are worried that they’ll need surgery

If you’re experiencing any of the foot problems below, it might be time to schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

1. Thick calluses or corns. While these areas of built-up skin aren’t always painful, if they become too large, they can cause pain. Additionally, there might be an underlying condition that’s causing them, like bunions (bony growths under the skin). A podiatrist can properly diagnose you, then offer treatment such as a cortisone injection to reduce pain. He or she can also painlessly remove the dead skin cells.
2. Heel issues that aren’t going away. If your heels are dry and the skin splits and bleeds, you are at higher risk for infection. Heel pain may also indicate a heel spur, which is another type of abnormal bony growth. Tendonitis can cause heel pain, too. A podiatrist can determine what’s causing the problem and suggest helpful treatments.
3. An ingrown toenail that’s getting worse. If a toenail is trimmed too short, it can grow into the skin causing pain and possibly infection. People who attempt to care for ingrown toenails themselves often make the problem worse, damaging the nail and the surrounding tissues. A podiatrist can prescribe medication or safely remove part of the nail if needed.
4. A persistent fungal infection. Athlete’s foot is an itchy and unpleasant condition that can make the skin between toes look scaly. If you’ve tried antifungal treatment at home for more than a couple of weeks, and it’s still not working, see a podiatrist. He or she can check for a bacterial infection and if present, prescribe antibiotics as treatment.
5. Bunions that are causing discomfort. If you have a bunion, you should see a podiatrist sooner rather than later. Bunions often get worse unless they’re treated. Surgery may be needed, but other options such as a medication or taping may also work.
6. Chronic joint pain. If your foot or ankle joints are swollen, red, stiff or tender, or it simply hurts when you stand or walk, you could have arthritis or another condition. A podiatrist can properly diagnose you, then offer treatments to reduce joint pain, from medications to minimally invasive procedures to joint surgery or replacement.
7. Numbness and tingling. People with diabetes are more susceptible to foot problems. These can range from dry skin to infections to a nerve condition (neuropathy). If you’re experiencing foot numbness along with tingling or burning, it could be a sign of neuropathy. If you have been diagnosed with pre-diabetes or diabetes, you should make an appointment with a podiatrist at least once a year.

Some foot problems go away on their own, but others get worse. For this reason, it makes good sense to see a podiatrist early on if you are experiencing foot issues. Because of their focused expertise in issues of the foot and ankle, podiatrists can expertly diagnose conditions, then offer treatments that can help you experience less pain and more enjoyment in your life.

With a change of seasons often comes a change of footwear — and when that season is summer, one of the most popular choices is sandals. While sandals can be cool, freeing and fashionable, they can also cause foot pain and even injure your feet if you don’t choose the right type.

So what makes for a “good” pair of sandals? As a general rule, they should have these three characteristics:

1. A supportive sole
2. Straps
3. Some type of back

While these guidelines clearly rule out flip-flops, it still can be hard to know exactly what type of sandals is best for you. Here are more features to look for:

• “Bump” in the insole: Look for a small raised “bump” in the center of the insole which is designed to provide arch support. Sandals that have it will keep your foot better aligned, and there will be less chance of it pronating (rolling inward) or supinating (rolling outward).
• Thick sole: When a sandal is too thin and flat, there is little protection of the heel and arch, which can result in foot pain over time. Keep in mind that when it comes to soles, a bit of heel height can be a good thing, although they should be short, chunky heels, not high-heel styles.
• Thick straps: If you’re looking for a new pair of sandals, try on styles with thick straps first — and the more straps the better, since they offer more support. Also, choose sandals that have back or ankle straps for optimal support.
• No gripping required: In a slide, flip-flop or any other open sandal, your toes must grip the sole to keep it from sliding off your foot. This can cause foot and toe pain, so avoid styles that require you to “grip” with your toes.

Best Sandals for Foot Conditions

Just because you’re dealing with a foot problem doesn’t mean you need to avoid sandals. Here are some tips if you have any of the following conditions:

• Bunions: Look for styles that allow your foot to breathe and provide as little covering as possible. Consider a toe post style that has ankle and back straps that offer a good fit while leaving the bunion alone.
• Plantar fasciitis: Choose sandals with a snug foot strap and a deep heel cup, which will help provide stability.
• Mallet toe or hammerhead toe: Choose open-toe styles that do not have an upper surface to rub against. Just make sure to choose sandals that also offer good overall support.
• Diabetic neuropathy: Open sandals can be useful if you have neuropathy because they help encourage good blood and air circulation. Try to avoid seams on the interior, since the friction can cause foot pain. If you choose a closed design, make sure the upper does not bind your foot in any way.

A final tip: Always try sandals on before buying them and don’t ignore warning signs — if your feet don’t feel comfortable the first time you put them on, chances are they won’t later either. If you’re buying sandals online, consider buying from a source that offers free return shipping, so you can return them if they don’t feel right.

Finally, keep in mind that an orthopedist, podiatrist or doctor can make you custom sandals using a mold of your foot. A custom sandal may be the best option if you are having a hard time finding a design that looks good, feels right and offers the proper support.

Did you know vitamin D can help improve arthritis symptoms? Here’s another fact: if someone does not already have arthritis, they may be able to avoid it by getting enough vitamin D.

Vitamin D is critical for overall health. For one, it helps with calcium absorption, which in turn helps the body develop and maintain healthy bones. It also reduces inflammation and plays a role in regulating the immune system, so the body is better able to ward off sickness and disease, including arthritis.

Getting the recommended allowance of vitamin D (800-1,000 IUs daily) can be challenging. In fact, an estimated three-fourths of Americans don’t get enough of it. Vitamin D deficiency symptoms include chronic pain, digestive issues, frequent infections and depression.

Vitamin D Impacts Arthritis

Researchers have different theories as to how vitamin D impacts arthritis. For instance, some think it has a direct impact on the joints, while others believe it is more about its effect on the immune system. A few others are still not convinced there is a solid link between the two.

Regardless of these differing opinions, many researchers agree that there is a connection between vitamin D and arthritis. There is substantial evidence to back up their claims. For example:

• One study showed that patients with knee osteoarthritis had low blood levels of vitamin D.
• Another study found that women who had the high levels of vitamin D were 30 percent less likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis than women with low levels.
• A third study found that taking a medication such as an oral steroid — which is often prescribed to patients with arthritis — can cause a vitamin D deficiency. So, if you take an oral steroid, make sure your doctor checks your vitamin D levels regularly.

How to Boost Vitamin D Intake

Even though it can be hard to get enough vitamin D, the good news is there are three ways you can get it: through your skin, from certain foods and from supplements.

Whether you already have arthritis and want to reduce your symptoms or you want to take steps to prevent arthritis, here are some ways you can get more vitamin D:

• Consume foods high in vitamin D. Vitamin D does not occur naturally in many foods. One exception is certain types of fish such as salmon and mackerel. Many foods are fortified with vitamin D, including breakfast cereals and milk. Just make sure to look for cereals low in sugar and high in fiber and choose low fat or skim milk instead of whole milk.
• Expose your skin to small doses of sunlight. Our bodies naturally produce vitamin D when exposed to sunlight. It doesn’t take much sun to reap the health benefits of this phenomenon. Try to get a few minutes of exposure every day, but do not stay out too long. If you do, be sure to apply sunscreen to any exposed skin.
• Consider a vitamin supplement. Check with your doctor about adding a supplement to boost your vitamin D levels. If you take a multivitamin, it may contain enough vitamin D, so check the label before you purchase anything new.

Why not move towards better health right now by getting your daily dose of vitamin D-induced sunshine, followed by a salmon dinner, with a side of your favorite vegetable? Next, make an appointment to talk with your doctor about whether a vitamin D supplement might be right for you.

Knee arthroscopy — sometimes called knee scoping — is a minimally invasive medical procedure used on the knee joint to diagnose and treat knee conditions or injuries. It’s performed using an arthroscope, which is a tiny surgical instrument with a light and camera at the end that is inserted into the knee.

A doctor may recommend knee scoping if a patient has a painful condition that is not responding to a nonsurgical treatment such as medication, cortisone injection or physical therapy.  In particular, knee arthroscopy is often successful in helping reduce or eliminate pain associated with cartilage damage or soft tissue damage.

Many doctors and patients prefer knee scoping to other procedures. That’s because the orthopedic knee surgeon only needs to make a tiny incision to use the arthroscope. There is usually less knee pain, less joint stiffness and easier recovery than with other procedures.

When Knee Arthroscopy Is Performed

Knee arthroscopy can be used when making or confirming a diagnosis and performing surgery:

• Making a Diagnosis: If a patient has knee pain, a doctor may order an X-ray or other imaging tests. However, the provider might need more information before moving forward with a treatment like surgery. In this instance, the doctor can use knee scoping for a diagnosis or to confirm treatment. To do this, a doctor makes a single small incision, then inserts the tiny arthroscope into the knee, and the images can be viewed on a video screen. An example of how this might be used is when a surgeon wants to view a meniscus tear to assess the extent of the damage.
• Performing Surgery: If arthroscopy is being used for surgery, small incisions are made at different points around the knee joint, in addition to the opening that’s made for the arthroscope. These additional openings allow the doctor to insert tiny surgical tools into the area as needed. Using the images from the arthroscope as a guide, the surgeon can repair torn ligaments, remove a torn or damaged meniscus, remove loose bone fragments or perform other treatments.

More on Knee Scope Surgery=

Unless a patient has another medical issue, knee arthroscopy may performed in an outpatient setting, so the patient will not need to stay overnight at a hospital.

Knee surgery using an arthroscope can take 30 minutes to several hours, depending on the extent of the damage. When using knee arthroscopy for diagnosis only, the time could be even shorter.

Before knee arthroscopy, a patient will have some type of anesthesia. The doctor and patient will determine whether local (numbing knee only), regional (numbing from waist down) or general anesthesia (putting patient to sleep) is best.

After Knee Surgery

After the procedure, the surgeon will close the incision. Sometimes, only small strips of adhesive tape are needed. Other times, one or two small stitches will be required.

Next, the patient rests in a recovery room for several hours. At home, the patient will follow the doctor’s instructions, which may include taking certain medications, elevating the knee, getting plenty of rest and eventually, exercising. Usually, a patient can return to light activity within a few weeks, although every patient is different.

Learn more about knee arthroscopy from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.