M14.2: Diabetic arthropathy

Diabetic arthropathy, also known as diabetic neuropathic arthropathy, is a joint disorder related to diabetes. It often affects people with diabetes who have had the condition for a long time, and it typically impacts the lower limbs, particularly the feet and ankles. People with diabetic arthropathy may have painless swelling in the affected joint and may not initially feel pain due to nerve damage caused by their diabetes. Over time, the joint may become unstable and deformed, a condition commonly referred to as Charcot joint. This occurs due to the body's inability to sense trauma, leading to repeated injury and damage. Diabetic arthropathy can progress slowly and may be difficult to diagnose early, as its symptoms can appear similar to other conditions.