Carpal tunnel syndrome has been noted in up to 20 percent of diabetics. This usually is seen in both hands, with patients complaining of a burning pain that radiates up the forearm. Some also complain of adhesive capsulitis, a stiffness involving the shoulder, which is discussed below. If no improvement comes with the use of braces, splints and anti-inflammatories, an electroneuromyogram and nerve-conduction tests are ordered to determine the severity of the problem. Carpal tunnel release surgery also is a very successful option.

Another common disorder in diabetics is flexor tenosynovitis, commonly called "trigger finger," when the finger locks in place, usually in a bent position. This is very common in 1 percent to 2 percent of the general population and in 11 percent to 15 percent of diabetics. If patients do not improve with anti-inflammatories, injections or physical therapy, surgery is recommended in severe cases; this has an extremely high success rate.

Another common problem for diabetics is adhesive capsulitis in the shoulder, which is often seen in carpal tunnel patients. Up to a third of diabetics develop this, and women are more commonly seen with it than men. It is usually seen in both shoulders, and it includes significant pain and very limited range of motion. The treatment is very aggressive physical therapy, anti-inflammatories and a steroid injection. Surgery is sometimes undertaken, but the success rate in diabetics is not as good as in the patient without diabetes.