Diabetic Patients suffer from muscle and joint problems very frequently in day to day life. Due to diabetic neuropathy & circulatory problems the muscles get atrophied(wasted). The tendons (attachment of the muscle to the bones) may become stiff and contracted due to the walking imbalance associated with peripheral neuropathy.
This walking imbalance forces the foot and joints to move in ways that are not healthy. In addition, they may stiffen in this bent position because of the excess blood sugar combining with the proteins in the joints. This is called diabetic glycosylation of the joints.
This, combined with the normal imbalance all people, including non-diabetics, are subject to, can lead to stiff hammertoes, bunions, spurs, and tiny fractures with dislocation of the bones (called Diabetic Charcot Deformity). These problems can be sources of pain, infection, ulceration and major medical concern.
With consent from your foot healthcare provider, foot rollers, massage and specially made shoes and inserts might be the best way to deal with these muscle and joint problems.