Limited joint mobility in diabetes

PREVIEWLimited joint mobility, or cheiroarthropathy, in patients with diabetes mellitus usually is painless and generally involves only the small joints of the hands. Most patients do not seek help until hand deformity interferes with daily life. However, because cheiroarthropathy is linked with more serious microvascular complications of diabetes, recognition is important. Improved control of diabetes is the cornerstone of management, but some treatment options are available for severe impairment. In this article, Drs Aljahlan, Lee, and Toth discuss causes, diagnosis, and treatment of this often misunderstood disorder.