MikelBear

I've been a type 1 diabetic for 37 years. For over 20 years, I was mis-diagnosed with arthritis. Finally in so much joint pain that I was considering going on disability, I was correctly diagnosed with what was then called "diabetic stiff hand syndrome", today more correctly termed "cheiroarthropathy". It is caused by a whole host of complex problems, none of which are in the joints--I was finally x-rayed, and my joints were clear as an 18 year old's. It has to do with a thickening of the skin and hardening of the collagen layer beneath the skin, swelling of the tendons, and small growths, or contractures, on stress points under the skin, which are often found on the knuckles and palms. It can cause fingers to 'freeze' in position, to clack and pop painfully ('trigger finger'), and cause tendonitis of the elbow and carpal tunnel in the wrists. It can move into the shoulder and cause a "frozen shoulder". I have heard of it less but occasionally occurring in the hips, back and feet as well. I have been treated with massive doses of anti-oxidants (Vitamin E, Folic acid, alpha lipoic acid and CoQ10), as well as cortisone shots directly into the worst tendons. My hands and wrists are much improved, and I am hoping to avoid surgery. Try the following links for more info: [url="http://www.postgradmed.com/issues/1999/02_99/aljahlan.htm"]http://www.postgradmed.com/issues/1999/02_99/aljahlan.htm[/url] [url="http://www.diabetic-lifestyle.com/articles/dec01_whats_1.htm"]http://www.diabetic-lifestyle.com/articles/dec01_whats_1.htm[/url]
Good luck with it,
Michael, T-1 since 65