Diabetic stiff skin doesn’t occur spontaneously. In fact, it develops slowly. In most cases, the condition is symmetrical, meaning it affects the fingers of both hands. And while it primarily starts in the fingers, the stiffening and hardening may progress into the hands, arms, and body.
Also, even though we refer to it as diabetic stiff skin, please note that the related joints may also stiffen. This is called diabetic cheiroarthropathy and it further limits the hands’ mobility.
Prayer Sign and Trigger Finger
Severe cases of digital sclerosis and diabetic cheiroarthropathy can lead to the patient’s inability to press the palms of their hands together (prayer sign). When patients try to press their palms together, only the pads of their fingers will touch.
Diabetic stiff skin and joints can also eventually lead to “trigger finger.” When someone has a trigger finger, that means they experience difficulty or inability to straighten or extend at least one of their fingers. Bent, the affected finger “locks.” When straightening, the finger might “click.” Trigger fingers may also feel painful with gripping.
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