Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

muscle aches and twitching





Hi,
I am experiencing lots of muscle pain and muscle twitching all over/specially my legs.  Is anyone else experiencing this with hashimoto?
40 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
Avatar universal
what's TT?
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Calcium and magnesium deficiency can cause twitching and pain - I have hyperparathryoidism and suffer a lot with both.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hi i have been suffering with hypothyroidism and hoshimotos for about eight years.  I was diagnosed with having this when i was pregnant with my first son..  I assumed feeling horrible all the time was due to being a new mom and lack of sleep.. As the years progress so did my symptoms. First i must say that the brain fog nervousness and irritability aka anger is just over the top.  Than the " flar ups " as i would call it of pain makes me look and feel like an 80 year old. Last but not least the muscle twitching .. its like a baby kicking from the inside except it has no specific pattern ..it is the most annoying thing..oops one more the headaches... I read a lot of interesting holistic articles about hoshimotos and i started a regimen of vitamins.. selenium cal mag.  Super b complex works well for nervousness.  Vitamin c ,  fish oil flax seed oil and a multi... I also found out thar gluten plays a tremendous role in feeling this way.. i removed all gluten... I feel much better however i still have my bad days.. this all helped with pms.  And the lousy feelings.. twiching is still there.. i hope this could be helpful to anybody else suffeing.. please eat a lot of raw veg fruit and drink pleanty of water.. good luck
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hi i have been suffering with hypothyroidism and hoshimotos for about eight years.  I was diagnosed with having this when i was pregnant with my first son..  I assumed feeling horrible all the time was due to being a new mom and lack of sleep.. As the years progress so did my symptoms. First i must say that the brain fog nervousness and irritability aka anger is just over the top.  Than the " flar ups " as i would call it of pain makes me look and feel like an 80 year old. Last but not least the muscle twitching .. its like a baby kicking from the inside except it has no specific pattern ..it is the most annoying thing..oops one more the headaches... I read a lot of interesting holistic articles about hoshimotos and i started a regimen of vitamins.. selenium cal mag.  Super b complex works well for nervousness.  Vitamin c ,  fish oil flax seed oil and a multi... I also found out thar gluten plays a tremendous role in feeling this way.. i removed all gluten... I feel much better however i still have my bad days.. this all helped with pms.  And the lousy feelings.. twiching is still there.. i hope this could be helpful to anybody else suffeing.. please eat a lot of raw veg fruit and drink pleanty of water.. good luck
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I know this forum was a long time ago, but I thought I would post for others who may come across. I had the same story as you all do, of course with my own variations. They diagnosed me with dozens of things, Lupus, sjogrens, dysautonomia, cardiac arrhythmias, etc, etc. It turns out I had Lyme disease. After all that time of taking meds that didnt work, I took 6 weeks of appropriate antibiotics and I was a whole new women. 9 months later I still struggle with a little and I probabaly always will. But the difference in my health when I started treatment was unbelievable. Look into it, you have to visit a Lyme Disease Doc. My prayers to everyone.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Read my post to Brandycolwell. I did a lot of research and I also thought I had MS or even Parkinsons, I was scared to death. Worrying all day and night to the point of not being able to eat. I even lost 12 lbs but not the way you want to lose it. Lol But having the MRI really put me at ease about my brain being clear and the stress test on the heart put me at ease also because the heart palpitations are sometimes very annoying especially when I lay down. If you can get an ultrasound on the thyroid it will tell alot more than any of the bloodtest, atleast it did in my case! Good luck. Also prayer helps alot!!
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
About 10 weeks ago I started with muscle twitching and sometimes jerking all night long for 3 nights and each night I got about 1 hr sleep so you can only imagine I was hysterical. So I went ot the Dr. crying and they sent me for a MRI on the brain, which came back normal. I have had insomnia every night w/ some twitching, severe depression, unable to cope w/ stress. Then I started with panic attacks w/ trembling and heart palpitations so they sent me for a nuclear medicine stress test of the heart, which came back normal. Then they tested electrolytes, hromones because I'm a 48 yr old female, and every test you can get on the thyroid. Everything  was normal except I am premenopausal, so I blamed everything on that. Then I went to an endo and his bloodwork came back normal on the thyroid so he decided to do an ultrasound and found I have hashimoto thyroiditis with a small nodulle. He then put me on a low dose T3 (Cytomel 5mg) and the 1st night after taking that I was able to sleep and haven't noticed any twitching or jerking. So for now I believe the culprit is my thyroid. So I told my Dr. the rule of thumb on these bloodtest for the thyroid is not always the rule of thumb. If I never had the ultrasound I wouldn't have a clue! I wish you luck and keep us posted.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
H i I am only 22 years old and I have been having pains in my arms and legs for about three months now and tingling in my feet when i cross my legs and a lot of muscle twitching and jerking all my blood work was good except they said my thyroid level was a little off but it was nothing to be worried about I am scheduled to have a mri of my brain to see if i have MS. I am scared to death its all i can think about everyday it is driving me crazy.I look at all the symptoms of of MS and i feel like that is what I have but then all this stuff about thyroid problems makes me question. But the way the Doctor acts like my thyroid is fine .Thyroid problems do run in my family.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
hi..im 29, and about 6 weeks ago i woke up and had awful neck problems, and tremors in my hands and legs. after a battery of tests i was diagnosed as hypo, with low b12 and folic acid...im scared, i just wanna feel normal again, so my question is, did or do any of you have involuntary movements due to being hypo? does it go away after levels get normal??
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Help I had my thyroid removed after five years of being hyperthyriodism with bouts of hypo thrown in for good measure i had my surgury in April 2010. I have been taking my synthroid. I have sever muscle cramps over my entire body the doctors say my levels are normal, But the cramping will not go away I am in so much pain all the time if i move in any way that stretches my muscles i get severe painful cramps I have told my doctor this several times and yet nothing is done. I am at my wits end because my insurance doesnt cover a different endocrinlogist can anyone help ???
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I was recently diagnosed with Hashi's and am having a lot of anxiety.  I too have a lot of muscle spasms in my calfs, hands, arms and back, very annoying and of course, worrisome.  Did anyone with Hashi's experience rash activity?  I recently developed a rash on my back and torso-not a bad one-it is called pyritis rosea (that's what the doc said).  I've only been on Synthroid for 1 month.  
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Many Hashis have vitamin deficiencies. I still get the muscle cramping, though not nearly as bad as when I had low vitamin D.

:) Tamra
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I am also hypothryoid and have random muscle twitchiing all over my body every day for about 4 years now.  I have not had any MRI's or anything for other stuff and my twitching has remained the same or lessened some.  I can tell that it escalates in times of stress.  I just recently started to realize how long I have had this and started to freak out a little thinking maybe I should have had this checked out further.  I am happy to read posts about other people having the same thing with hypothryoidism.  My TSH levels are kept at around 1 and I still have the twitching.  I am also about to have all of my hormone levels checked.  I have tried taking magnesium and calcium before but that doesn't really seem to help me much.  I don't have any other symptoms though and am very active and generally feel pretty good.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Many of us with thyroid condition (myself, finally diagnosed after 30 years!!!!!) with hashi's) also have elevated cholesterol levels. My endo placed me on Vystatin and the muscle pain was beyond description within 2 weeks of starting statins. READ your patient info with this product! After 4 weeks I called the endo stating the muscle pain was unbearable and was immediately instructed to discontinue Vystatin. Now I am on Welchol, 30 year old med that has produced the same results as Vystatin - the only difference is you have to take 6 horse pills instead of one (so vystatin makes patient compliance easier).

It took about 6 month to recover from the muscle damage the statins caused. I still have leg cramps and muscle aches, mostly at night and some arm cramps/aches - but I know that' due to the Hashi's. Since my hashi's cycles between hyper and hypo (common with Hashi patients), it's difficult to treat, I can cycle daily. (Radioactive Iodine Uptake is the only reasonable course I have and really don't want to do it.)

I would recommend to all thyroid sufferer - if you've been placed on statins - do not overlook this culprit in exasperating the muscle aching and cramping. If you've been taking it for more than 2 years, the pain will be constant and beyond repair.

Lesson learned - always read the patient information pamphlet with your meds!
Helpful - 0
850233 tn?1332084532
Yes. I noticed since I have been on syntroid. Muscle twitches,  Sore, achy muscles
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
The last blood test for thyroid disease was last fall, but the symptoms (aches mostly) have definitely increased since then.  At that time results were:  TSH at 3.990, the T4 was 1.28 (range .61 - l.76 is normal) and the antibodies were about mid-range on the reference scale.

In May, blood tests ordered by a rheumatologist ruled out RA and inflammatory issues and said the aches could be caused by aging.  I just don't buy that.  You don't go from feeling fine one day and then start on the path of ever-increasing pain/aches overnight.  Something is amiss, so I'm going back to the GP for more digging.

It sounds like thyroid problems can be easily addressed, so maybe I should just ask for the medicine and see if it helps if the doctor still thinks my levels are within normal ranges.  Any further advice on this subject?

Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Yes, but the RF and SED were always only low positive.  So, they were talking more in terms of mild RA, although I was miserable in pain and fatigued all the time.  Meanwhile, it is amazing how many ways the thyroid can affect the body,  mimmicing so many other diseases when it is out of wack.  But, if you have autoimmune thyroiditis (Hasimoto's) it frequently goes along with other autoimmune diseases, like RA.  My new GP hasn't tested my antibodies yet, but plan to ask him to at the next "blood letting".  I wouldn't be surprised if the tests are positive as I have lots of allergies, Celiac (inability to digest gluten), sever milk protein intolerance, and some kind of crazy thing going on with visiual auras (some or all of these are autoimmune).  I really feel for you if you really do have RA!  That is one mean disease and the drugs used to slow down it's effects mean serious business. I pray that your aches and pains end up being just thyroid as that can be treated far easier. Keep us posted on how it is going for you.  I'll keep sending the good thoughts your way!!!!!
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I was just diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis also a couple weeks ago. Did you ever have a RA Factor blood test?  
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Speaking of JOINT problems...I was originally diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis a little over 1 1/2 yr. ago by the GP,  who then sent me to a rheumy.  I was taking Celebrex 1-2 times a day with Tylenol for break through joint pain, stiffness and mild swelling of feet, ankles, knees, elbows, wrists and some finger joints.  They were just about to start me on Plaquinel, when low and behold, it was discovered that I had a goiter (along with some symptoms of hypothyroid).  I was started on just 25 mcg of thyroid hormone and within just 3 DAYS the deep aching pain, etc. I had more than 2 yrs magically went away!  It was miraculous!  The character of the achiness just changed dramatically overnight.  I still have some muscle problems-- mostly a little stiffness and soreness, but nothing I need to take pain pills for.  I told my dr that he is a genius!  I have been on the thyroid med for only 2 months now and am really looking forward to him bumping up the medication this next month when we redo all the labs to see if we can get rid of any residual muscle problems.  
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I do!!  I'm hypo, but have been on Synthroid 150 for several months and am now slightly hyper.  I get twitches in my face, arms and legs.  The worst is when I'm tired or hungry, my legs muscles will shake and shake and there's nothing I can do.  I also get odd cramps that don't really hurt, just feel  weird, in my arms and legs.  I often get strange sensations in my neck too.

I know I haven't offered any explanation...  but at least you are not alone :)
Helpful - 0
314892 tn?1264623903
I also have dizziness as a main symptom when my TSH is too high as well as muscle twitching all over my body.

Dou you know what your actual TSH level is/was? Did you have thyroid antibodies tested?

Any TSH over 2-3 is suspicious, especially with positive thyroid antibodies.

I went for 13 years misdiagnosed with an inner ear problem I do not have because my TSH levels were deemed normal. They were always in the upper end of the range- over 3.5 consistantly.

My endo said I should have been treated several years ago, at least.

The above 2 ladies rarely post here anymore. I am friends with EmpatheticJenny. She recommended her endo to me as we live in the same area.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I've been reading this dialogue with great interest.  Surely we can learn from each other's experiences and I'm wondering how much my symptoms have to do with hypothyroidism:  pain/aches in my muscles (legs and arms mostly), weakness in legs at times, headaches, some occasional dizziness, twitching feeling and cold sensitivity on occasion.

The TSH results are within normal ranges, so my doctor hasn't suggested hypothyrodism is the culprit, but maybe there's another marker to check as well?  I don't want to start taking medication but would do about anything to alleviate these issues.

This all started about 9 months ago.  Previously I was a very active 59- year old, having gone through menopause about 5 years ago. I've been to a neurologist, who took a brain MRI, an EMG test (electric probes to check nerve conduction), and an overnight sleep study.  Results were normal throughout, thankfully, because like others I was frightened of the prospect of having MS.

A rheumatologist did 4 blood tests:  C-Reactive Protein (inflammation, homocysteine levels), a gene marker for rheumatoid arthritis, sedimentation rate and checking on viruses.  Again, all normal.  She said the aches are likely part of the aging process and suggested I discuss this with my OB/GYN -- maybe consider taking hormone replacement therapy.  Haven't been through that yet and frankly do NOT want to take HRT.

I have osteoarthritis and am willing to deal with occasional pain in upper and lower back, but the weakness in the legs, along with aches, dizziness, headache, etc. is just wearing me down.  Seems there is no escape from some type of daily assault and I never know what to expect.  At times, I'm afriad to travel because the unexpected seems to follow me everywhere.  No doubt you all can identify with that helpless feeling regarding the unknown.  I keep wondering if the doctors are missing something.    

Any thoughts on what else to check to confirmation that this is familiar (in terms of symptoms and tests taken) would be much appreciated.   Thanks!  
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Dear GL,

In regard to your comments about hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and muscle or joint-related symptoms: thank you for the tutorial! As I look backward in time and rethink the symptoms I have had in light of the still-new knowledge that my thyroid gland has been failing, the framework you have provided is very helpful.

Your opening words "While not generally well-known or understood" made me think of something that has become a running joke during my six-year relationship with a wonderful rheumatologist. The joke is that my LEAST favorite phrase in the English language is "poorly understood."

Best wishes,
Jenny
Helpful - 0
168348 tn?1379357075
Unfortunately the potassium didn't help me.  I was (in error) taking alot of potassium with my vitamins in a concerted effort to try and use the vitamin regime the Uroologist suggested to prevent kidney stones from growing or new ones forming.  It was ok to take the potassium (I took it in form of alot of juices which contain potassium) and the cramps kept coming.  

I stopped the incrased potassium as the Uro told me the potassium was an inert ingredient in some prescription kidney stone pills *Urocit-K to be exact* to help with absorption so when I stopped the Urocit K (bcz of bad gas/heartburn) I took potassium thinking @ least I'd be getting the potassiumand but the stopped as it was useless all around.  

BOO HOO on the muscle cramps :(  .. they kept on coming with or without add'l potassium for me. :(

Another key factor that didn't help one bit for me was prescription anti-inflammatories!  Did not touch the pain of the ankle joint or muscles.

Exercise specifically to strengthen that area did nothing.  I was ready to see an Orthopedist or Rheumy when we figured this out finally.  

Just 2 weeks ago, I found out it was from hypo for sure and the only thing that helped it was the higher Synthroid.  I am very very lucky to have an answer and proven not a coincidence.

I still get them but nearly as bad ... I may be lucky as having that as a barometer to know if my #'s go off-keel once I'm regulated on my dosing, huh ?!

C~

Helpful - 0
2
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Thyroid Disorders Community

Top Thyroid Answerers
649848 tn?1534633700
FL
Avatar universal
MI
1756321 tn?1547095325
Queensland, Australia
Learn About Top Answerers
Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
We tapped the CDC for information on what you need to know about radiation exposure
Endocrinologist Mark Lupo, MD, answers 10 questions about thyroid disorders and how to treat them
A list of national and international resources and hotlines to help connect you to needed health and medical services.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
Herpes spreads by oral, vaginal and anal sex.
STIs are the most common cause of genital sores.