Diabetes is often seen as a condition that affects blood sugar levels and internal organs. But what many people don’t realise — including some who have lived with diabetes for years — is how much it can affect your joints, muscles, tendons, and nerves too.

At Thrive Body Clinic, we regularly see patients who come in with shoulder pain, tingling feet, or stiff hands… and when we dig a little deeper, diabetes is often part of the picture.

This blog explores how diabetes affects the musculoskeletal system, the signs to look out for, and how osteopathy can offer support alongside your existing diabetes care.

Why Does Diabetes Affect the Musculoskeletal System?

When blood sugar levels are high over time, it can affect more than just your energy and glucose readings. The consequences extend to:

• Blood vessels – becoming narrowed or damaged, reducing circulation to muscles and tissues.
• Nerves – particularly in the hands and feet, leading to diabetic neuropathy.
• Connective tissue – such as tendons and ligaments, which can stiffen or become inflamed.
• Inflammation and healing – diabetes can slow down the body’s natural repair processes, increasing the risk of injury and making recovery longer.

The result? A wide range of aches, pains, and movement issues that can make everyday tasks harder than they need to be.

Common Musculoskeletal Conditions Linked to Diabetes

1. Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis)

• Much more common in people with diabetes, especially Type 1.
• Causes pain and stiffness in the shoulder joint, often gradually getting worse before improving over many months.
• Can seriously impact sleep, dressing, and daily movement.

2. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

• Tingling, numbness, or weakness in the hand and fingers.
• Caused by compression of the median nerve in the wrist.
• People with diabetes are more prone to nerve compression syndromes due to changes in soft tissue.

3. Diabetic Neuropathy

• Nerve damage most often felt in the feet and lower legs.
• Can cause burning, tingling, numbness, or pain — and sometimes loss of sensation.
• Increases risk of falls, foot injuries, and balance problems.

4. Trigger Finger

• One or more fingers get stuck in a bent position before popping straight.
• Caused by thickening or inflammation of the tendon sheath.
• More common in people with diabetes due to tendon and connective tissue changes.

5. Limited Joint Mobility

• Also known as diabetic cheiroarthropathy — a condition that leads to stiffness in the hands and fingers.
• Often mistaken for arthritis but linked to changes in collagen and soft tissues.

6. Tendinopathies and Bursitis

• Inflammation or degeneration of tendons and bursae (fluid-filled sacs that cushion joints).
• Can affect the Achilles tendon, shoulders, hips, or elbows.

Why These Problems Matter

Musculoskeletal issues aren’t just about pain or discomfort. For someone managing diabetes, they can lead to:

• Reduced mobility, making it harder to stay active (which is crucial for blood sugar control).
• Increased risk of falls or injury.
• Disrupted sleep and lower quality of life.
• Difficulty with self-care tasks — from tying shoes to testing blood sugar.

That’s where supportive care from professionals like osteopaths can make a real difference.

How Osteopathy Can Help

Osteopathy is a hands-on, whole-body approach to health that aims to improve function, reduce pain, and restore balance in the body. For people with diabetes, we can offer:

✅ Improved Circulation

Techniques to gently encourage better blood flow to affected areas — especially the feet, legs, and hands — supporting tissue health and healing.

✅ Joint and Tissue Mobility

Addressing stiffness and restriction in joints and soft tissues using safe, gentle mobilisation. This is particularly helpful for conditions like frozen shoulder or hand stiffness.

✅ Support for Nerve Health

Helping to relieve nerve compression and improve posture and movement patterns to reduce further strain on nerves.

✅ Pain Management and Relaxation

Reducing muscular tension, improving breathing mechanics, and supporting nervous system regulation — which can all play a role in managing chronic pain.

✅ Encouragement of Safe Movement

We’ll guide you with appropriate stretches or mobility routines to keep your body moving safely — helping you feel more confident and in control.

What We Don’t Do

We don’t manage your blood sugar, prescribe medication, or replace your GP, nurse, or diabetes team. But we do work alongside your NHS care, helping support the physical side of things.

Is Osteopathy Safe if You Have Diabetes?

Yes — with a few considerations. We always:

• Take a full medical history, including details about your diabetes.
• Check for issues such as diabetic neuropathy or reduced skin sensation before treatment.
• Adjust techniques accordingly to ensure comfort and safety.

Final Thoughts

If you live with diabetes and have ongoing joint pain, stiffness, or nerve issues, don’t write it off as “just getting older.” There may be a link to your condition — and there are things that can help.

At Thrive Body Clinic, we’re here to support you. Whether it’s frozen shoulder, nerve pain, or just feeling like your body isn’t moving how it used to, book in with us and let’s see how osteopathy can help.

Stay tuned for next week’s post in this series:
👉 “How Osteopathy Can Support People Living with Diabetes”

Need support now?
Get in touch today to book your first appointment or to ask us any questions — we’re happy to help.