How do Hypothyroids Combat Joint Pain?

[marlenewoods]

Hi Again!

This is the second of two somewhat related questions that I have.  

A few of you more experienced patients and victms of Hypothyroidism seem to be reporting some symptoms loosely described as "Joint Pain." Last summer, I developed joint pain in my right elbow after over-working it in the yard, pulling weeds.  Anti-inflamatories seemed to cure the problem.  

This year, any type of exertion in the yard, kitchen or workshop, or anything requiring a little hands-on work is now creating debilitating problems in both arms.  Last month, my Dr. took an x-ray of my right shoulder (the most painful area at the time) but didn't find any damage. He concluded that I just need to change my sleep position - which helped but only mildly and temporarily.  Now I periodically have been sleeping upright on the couch to keep my upper extremities from going numb (in other words, to keep my heart above the level of my arms.).

Ok, a little "Numbness" or "Tingling Sensation" doesn't seem like much of a big deal, but is actually very painful. Depending on how much physical work I try to do, my joints can be in actual pain.  Today and yesterday, I have had intermittent pain and tingling (the feeling of having fingers falling asleep, so to speak) in both arms from the fingers, wrists, elbows and shoulders, almost seeming to be random throughout the day. Yesterday, most of the pain had been in the right arm. Typing now, the first three fingers on my left hand absolutely ache, and my teeth are set against the pain. Excedrin and asprin seem to help only slightly.

The problems become very exacerbated at night, especially if either arm is above the level of my heart, and as soom as my breathing slows into slumber. I need to get up several times every night and walk around until the blood flows back into my fingertips. Sometimes this can take 10 minutes - the worst time, it took a full hour before I could get the pain to ease and any normal sensation back. If I'm too tired, it isn't too painful or I wake up and catch it in time, then I can simply dangle my entire arm over the edge of the couch for a few minutes until it feels better. I know it is working when I get the sensation of chilling icicles flowing to my finger-tips. Its an absolutely delicious sensation. LOL!

During the day, the back of the neck and upper shoulders are a little sore too, and the middle back is tired and can't handle more than a few hours of standing in one place. But even after a fitful night of sleep on the couch, the back wakes up rested and strong.

With your help, I'm looking for a pattern - are these the same types of symptoms that the rest of you experience when you generally document "Joint Pain?"  Or, does this sound like something different altogether?  Please share your thoughts.

Thank you,
Marlene Woods in Lansing, MI

[laMarie]

Hi.  I have had similar symptoms.  At one point I had tendonitis in both arms from the shoulder down.  I will telll you that if you have any carpel tunnel inflammation, it will be worse at night and cause you to wake up with the numbness you describe.  I have had this happen to me as well.  Also, you might want to have your neck checked out.  I have had nerves in my neck that were inflamed or pinched cause similar arm pain.  I see a chiropractor but, also find that carpel tunnel and tendonitis get worse when my thyroid flares up.

[5thave]

I too have noticed increasing joint pain, hip, shoulders etc. I am healing up now and all I did was start taking Calcium w/ Vitamin D and magnesium, glucosomine, and vitamin C. I don't know if this has cured it but so far it seems to be helping. I too was living on ibuprofen after all my workouts and that never bothered me before. Oh i am also adding Glutamine to 1 bottle of water a day. These are all natural so give it a try and see if they help.