PLEASE HELP! How do you ease joints locking up in diabetics?
My boyfriend's dad has been having REALLY bad trouble with his feet. Because he is diabetic, his feet curl up and stiffen causing excruciating pain. It happens almost every night and the only thing that helps is that my bf rubs out the cramps, but they come back about 4 or 5 times a night.
The ONLY information I have is that his pancreas isn't shut down compleatly like most diabetics. It sporadically produces insulin and therefore messes up his blood sugar. It is VERY difficult to control it's levels.
Their family has a low budget, but I would like ANY possible information you can conjure up. NO matter how miniscule or bizarre. Please help. Thank you.
2006-05-11T22:08:58Z
I found out also that it is most likely his ligaments or his tendons that are tightening up.
idideverest2006-05-12T06:05:57Z
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I'll answer the pancreas part.
It's important that he tests his BG before bed and on occasions during the night. eg 2am. I know this can be annoying but having been a Type 1 for 24 years I have learnt sometimes the hard way. Hypos during the night certainly should be avoided.
Beware also that exercise before bed should be calculated into BG control as it will reduce BG levels. The effect however may not occur until 1-2 hours afterwards. Thus a reading at 2am etc would be best when starting this sort of program.
One more thing is footwear. Ensure he has good quality socks for circulation. Also I recently spent $200 on designed shoes and the difference is amazing. Perhaps medical benefits will cover or even a collection amongst family/friends?
I've been diabetic for 44 years, and I know a few non medical things. Keep the feet warm, not hot. You can use warm compresses (heated towels). It sounds as if his blood isn't circulating well. Perhaps there is a heated pool where he could swim. A hot tub or even sitting in a regular tub might help. Are the toes drawing down or up? If down, some hard soled or wooden soled shoes or sandals might help. If it's muscle cramps after a long day on his feet, try wearing moccasins without a stiff sole, usually found in the bedroom slipper section of a shoe store. He should wear them around home while walking. Since his pancreas is still working intermittently, I suspect he's suffering from low blood sugar through the night. Check blood sugars when attacks occur. If it is low, give him a small non-diet soda or a glass of juice with a little sugar added. There should be a diabetic support group in your area, and he should let his doctor know about this.