People with advanced hypothyroidism may find that fluid builds in joints as their metabolism slows — and that causes swelling that, the Mayo Clinic points out, can lead to pain.
For some people, hypothyroidism that hasn't been treated can lead to joint and muscle problems. Specifically, hypothyroidism may cause: Muscle aches, tenderness and stiffness. Joint pain and stiffness, particularly in the hands and knees in adults.
A Word From Verywell
They can usually be soothed when your thyroid starts to function normally again. 5 Coping strategies for easing muscle pain, regardless of the cause, may be useful in the meantime. Things like drinking enough fluids, a massage, warm baths, and gentle exercise are good ways to help with the pain.
Severe, untreated hypothyroidism can cause fluid buildup that puts pressure on the nerves in your arms and legs. This can lead to tingling, pain, and numbness where the nerve is damaged.
It may also cause muscle weakness or loss of muscle control. See your doctor if you know or suspect you have hypothyroidism and you're having troubling or painful symptoms in your limbs.
Common nutrient deficiencies associated with pain include: Magnesium – People with Hashimoto's are at risk for being deficient in magnesium, which can lead to a long list of symptoms, including headaches, joint pain, leg and hand cramps, and menstrual pain.
Subclinical thyroid disease is a common disorder, particularly in middle-aged and elderly individuals. Some patients with manifest hypothyroidism complain of unsteadiness of gait.
What are the symptoms of hypothyroid myopathy? The most common symptoms include weakness around the hips and sometimes the shoulders, and a slowing of reflexes. Some people also experience muscle stiffness and painful muscle cramps. LIfe-threatening cases can cause rhabdomyolysis (acute muscle breakdown).
Call your doctor right away if you or your child has rapid or irregular heartbeats, chest pain, leg cramps, headaches, nervousness, irritability, sleeplessness, tremors, a change in appetite, weight gain or loss, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive sweating, heat intolerance, a fever, changes in menstrual periods, hives, or ...
Thyroid disease may be a predisposing factor for restless legs syndrome (RLS). People with this disorder feel uncomfortable or unpleasant sensations in their legs while the body is at rest. In most cases, RLS symptoms often occur in the evening or around sleep onset.
Leg edema is a common clinical problem and the differential diagnosis is extensive. We present 4 patients in whom thyroid dermopathy was the cause of leg edema. Examination of the eyes and the nature of the edema were clues to the diagnosis of thyroid dermopathy.
Hypothyroid Myopathy
Muscle weakness, aches, and cramping are common in people with hypothyroidism. While the weakness can be generalized, people typically experience it in the muscles that are closest to the center of their bodies, such as the thigh or shoulder.
Stiffness can be treated with physical therapy exercises determined by our podiatrists. One option we offer patients is custom orthotics to alleviate foot pain from hypothyroidism inflammation and swelling. These devices are either rigid, semi-rigid, or accommodative to best support your feet as you walk.
Myxedema crisis (also called myxedema coma), the most severe form of hypothyroidism, is rare. It occurs when thyroid hormone levels get very, very low.
Overt hypothyroidism or full-blown disease
The end-stage of Hashimoto's is when your thyroid has become so damaged that you no longer have enough thyroid hormones and have to go on medication.
Hypothyroidism is a common condition where the thyroid doesn't create and release enough thyroid hormone into your bloodstream. This makes your metabolism slow down. Also called underactive thyroid, hypothyroidism can make you feel tired, gain weight and be unable to tolerate cold temperatures.
General joint and muscle pains are common when hypothyroidism is not sufficiently treated, and your dosage of thyroid hormone needs to be increased. Joint and muscle weakness and pain, especially in the arms and legs, can be evidence that you need an increased dose of antithyroid drugs for your hyperthyroidism.
Not enough iodine.
Too much iodine can make hypothyroidism worse in people who already have the condition. In some parts of the world, it's common for people not to get enough iodine in their diets.
Also, Pilates or gentle yoga can improve core muscles and ease the back and hip pain that can be associated with hypothyroidism. People with hypothyroidism can also benefit from strength training — exercises such as lunges, leg raises, and push-ups or those involving weight-training machines.
Common side effects of levothyroxine include heat intolerance, a fast heart rate, and diarrhea. More serious levothyroxine side effects are also possible. If you experience side effects like tremors or mood changes, talk to your healthcare provider as soon as you can.
The clinical significance of these changes remains to be determined. Overtreatment with this drug may cause an increase in heart rate, cardiac wall thickness, and cardiac contractility and may precipitate angina or arrhythmias, particularly in patients with cardiovascular disease and in elderly patients.