Limited Joint Mobility of the Hand: Could It Be the Aging Hand?

Abstract

Background: The progressive diminution of manual dexterity and functional capacity in the hands is an inherent aspect of the aging process. However, when assessing hand dysfunction and limitations in elderly individuals, it is imperative to exclude alternative etiologies before attributing such manifestations solely to age-related deterioration.
 Case Report: This report presents the case of a 65-year-old female patient exhibiting skin thickening and restricted joint mobility in both hands. Subsequent comprehensive evaluation led to a diagnosis of diabetic cheiroarthropathy, commonly known as limited joint mobility syndrome.
 Conclusion: The observed decline in hand function among elderly individuals with diabetes mellitus may be attributable to diabetic cheiroarthropathy. This underscores the importance of considering diabetes-related musculoskeletal disorders in the differential diagnosis of age-associated functional deterioration in the hands.