Diabetes doesn’t just affect your blood sugar—it can also have a serious impact on your hands, leading to numbness, stiffness, pain, and even deformities. In Saudi Arabia, where diabetes is highly prevalent, many patients delay addressing hand-related symptoms, not realizing that diabetes may be the root cause.
From nerve compression syndromes to joint stiffness and limited finger mobility, diabetes can affect hand function in several ways. Fortunately, early diagnosis and proper treatment—including hand surgery when needed—can help restore function and prevent long-term damage.
In this blog, we’ll explore common hand conditions caused by diabetes, treatment options available in Saudi Arabia, and why many patients consult with Dr. Binoy in India for specialized, cost-effective care.
1. How Does Diabetes Affect the Hands?
Chronically high blood sugar damages blood vessels and nerves, which can affect how your hands feel, move, and respond. Over time, this can lead to:
🔹 Nerve damage (diabetic neuropathy) – Causes numbness, tingling, and burning pain in the fingers.
🔹 Trigger finger – A condition where fingers get stuck in a bent position.
🔹 Carpal Tunnel Syndrome – Compression of the median nerve in the wrist, more common in diabetics.
🔹 Dupuytren’s Contracture – Thickening of tissue in the palm, causing the fingers to curl inward.
🔹 Limited Joint Mobility (LJM) – Difficulty fully extending fingers, often seen in long-standing diabetes.
💡 Up to 50% of diabetic patients develop hand complications over time.
2. Common Diabetic Hand Conditions in Saudi Arabia
✅ Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
• More common and more severe in diabetics.
• Symptoms include numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand—especially at night.
• Surgery may be required if symptoms persist despite splinting and medication.
✅ Trigger Finger
• Repeated locking and clicking of the finger.
• Inflammation of tendons in the hand caused by diabetes-related thickening.
• Responds well to steroid injections; advanced cases may need surgery.
✅ Diabetic Neuropathy
• Burning, shooting pains in the hands and fingers.
• Can severely reduce dexterity and quality of life.
• Managed with medications, physiotherapy, and in some cases, nerve decompression surgery.
✅ Dupuytren’s Contracture
• The palm tissue thickens and causes the fingers to bend inward.
• Progresses slowly and may require surgery to release contracted tissue.
3. Diagnosis: When to See a Specialist
You should consult a hand specialist if you experience:
❗ Persistent numbness or tingling in your hands
❗ Fingers getting stuck or locking during movement
❗ Pain or weakness that worsens over time
❗ Difficulty holding or gripping objects
❗ Hands feeling “tight” or difficult to stretch
💡 Early consultation can prevent irreversible damage.
4. Non-Surgical Treatment Options in Saudi Arabia
🔹 For Early-Stage Conditions:
✔ Splints and Braces – For carpal tunnel or trigger finger
✔ Steroid Injections – Reduces tendon inflammation
✔ Physiotherapy – Restores hand mobility
✔ Medications – For nerve pain and inflammation (e.g., Pregabalin, Gabapentin)
While these are often effective in early stages, progressive conditions in diabetics often require surgical intervention.
5. Hand Surgeries Commonly Performed in Diabetic Patients
🩺 Carpal Tunnel Release – To decompress the median nerve and relieve numbness/tingling.
🩺 Trigger Finger Release – Minor surgery to free the affected tendon.
🩺 Fasciectomy – Removal of thickened palm tissue in Dupuytren’s Contracture.
🩺 Tendon Lengthening/Transfer – For patients with severe movement restrictions.
🩺 Nerve Decompression – For diabetic neuropathy not responsive to medication.
💡 Diabetics generally have slower healing—early and expert care is essential.
6. Cost Comparison: Hand Surgery in Saudi Arabia vs. India
| Procedure | Cost in Saudi (SAR) | Cost in India (SAR) |
|---|---|---|
| Carpal Tunnel Release | SAR 20,000 – 35,000 | SAR 8,000 – 12,000 |
| Trigger Finger Release | SAR 18,000 – 30,000 | SAR 7,000 – 10,000 |
| Dupuytren’s Surgery | SAR 35,000 – 50,000 | SAR 12,000 – 18,000 |
| Nerve Decompression Surgery | SAR 40,000 – 60,000 | SAR 15,000 – 25,000 |
🏆 Patients can save up to 60% by traveling to India for expert care.
7. Why Saudi Diabetic Patients Choose India for Hand Surgery
✅ Lower Costs – Up to 60–70% savings compared to private hospitals in Saudi.
✅ Top Specialists – Dr. Binoy is one of India’s leading hand surgeons.
✅ Shorter Wait Times – Quick scheduling, less waiting.
✅ Custom Rehab Plans – Especially important for diabetic patients with delayed healing.
✅ Online Consultations Available – You don’t have to travel for the first step.
8. Meet Dr. Binoy: Hand Surgery Expert for Diabetics
👨⚕️ Dr. Binoy, based at Aster Hospital Kochi, specializes in treating hand conditions in diabetic patients.
He offers:
✔ Advanced minimally invasive techniques
✔ High success rates in diabetic surgeries
✔ Post-surgery rehab tailored to diabetic recovery patterns
✔ Online consultations and travel assistance for Saudi patients
9. How to Book a Consultation with Dr. Binoy
📍 Whether you’re in Riyadh, Jeddah, or Dammam, you can book an online consultation with Dr. Binoy through the website.
1️⃣ Submit your symptoms and medical history
2️⃣ Get a video consultation
3️⃣ Receive a diagnosis and treatment recommendation
4️⃣ If surgery is needed, travel can be arranged to India at your convenience
👉 Book now at hand-microsurgery.com
Conclusion
Hand problems in diabetic patients are common but often neglected. Whether it’s carpal tunnel, trigger finger, or nerve pain, these conditions can drastically affect your daily life. The good news is that with the right specialist and timely intervention, recovery is possible.
If you’re a diabetic patient in Saudi Arabia experiencing hand discomfort, don’t delay. Dr. Binoy offers expert, affordable treatment with personalized care plans—whether you’re looking for non-surgical relief or advanced hand surgery.
👉 Take the first step. Book your consultation today and get your hands moving again.