An Overlooked Connection: What You Should Know About the Hidden Link Between Hypothyroidism and Joint Pain

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Understanding the Connection Between Hypothyroidism and Painful Joints

There are multiple facets involved in the relationship between joint pathologies and hypothyroidism:

• Low levels of thyroid hormone slow metabolism, thereby slowing the heart rate and causing poorer circulation. Poor circulation leads to reduced blood flow to the joints (and muscles) and can result in stiffness and pain. 

• A slower metabolism causes a dearth of energy and may dissuade hypothyroid patients from doing exercises that seem to exacerbate fatigue and muscle weakness. As a result, their joints may be further incapacitated through lack of activity. 

• Hashimoto’s disrupts bone metabolism by reducing thyroid hormone levels and producing inflammation throughout the body.
  

Normal thyroid function contributes to a healthy musculoskeletal system in various ways:

• Thyroid hormone is important for the synthesis of collagen, which is a major component of the bone matrix, of tendons and ligaments, and of the cartilage that cushions joints. 

• Thyroid hormone contributes to joint elasticity by:
• Aiding in the repair of damaged tissue
• Preventing the accumulation of hydrophilic glycosaminoglycans, which can cause pain and swelling in the joints

• Thyroid hormone contributes to the development, plasticity, and regeneration of skeletal muscle.



Any irregularity in the thyroid may hinder these processes, contributing to musculoskeletal pathologies.

Although each individual’s experience of hypothyroidism is unique, the following myopathic symptoms are not unusual for patients with low thyroid hormone levels: 

• Morning stiffness 
• Swelling or puffiness
• Muscle weakness
• Numbness or tingling
• Pain in knees, hips, shoulders, or hands

Generally, treatment that addresses low thyroid hormone levels leads to an improvement in these symptoms, unless another underlying condition is the cause.

Whereas acute inflammation is a healthy sign that your body is doing what it should to repair damaged tissue, chronic inflammation is more ominous. Continuous infiltration of immune cells in the joint can cause damage to cartilage, tendons, ligaments, and bones, not to mention swelling and pain.

Although Hashimoto’s patients may not be able to completely normalize their antibody levels, they can work to manage them. Patients with hypothyroidism not caused by Hashimoto’s may also experience chronic inflammation, so anything they do to reduce inflammatory processes will help to alleviate this constant stress on the body.

Microbiome imbalance that lasts long enough may lead to a leaky gut, which is one of the primary culprits in chronic inflammation. When the gastrointestinal barrier is compromised, toxins from inside the digestive tract leak out into the abdominal cavity, attracting immune cells to address the threat. 

By restoring a healthy microbiome, patients improve digestion, repair damage to their intestinal lining, and prevent further leakage of toxins into the body, thereby reducing systemic inflammation.

Revamped nutrition can help restore your gut microbiome and contribute to the improvement of other symptoms of hypothyroidism. Making changes to your diet might be challenging, but it is a non-invasive strategy that allows you to take control of your health and well-being.

HealthierU helps clients determine their specific nutritional needs and guides them toward wiser food decision-making.

Inflammatory foods are so harmful because our bodies react differently to them. Necessary nutrients are metabolized and used to facilitate the many essential functions of the body. Refined sugars, fats, and grains, however, are perceived as toxic, so they trigger an immune response. If you continually consume these foods — especially in large amounts — your body undergoes prolonged stress that ultimately leads to disease.



Avoid the following inflammatory foods as much as possible:

• Processed meats, such as hot dogs, lunch meats, cured meats, and bacon
• Refined grains, such as breakfast cereal, white bread/rice, and pasta
• Anything with added sugar, including packaged snacks and sweetened drinks
• Fried food
• Red meat (although not processed, it may contain:
• Inflammatory compounds when cooked at high temperatures
• Environmental toxins that trigger inflammation

We’ve all experienced muscle cramps when we haven’t drunk enough, but our joints also suffer from water deprivation. Staying adequately hydrated is critical for joint health for several reasons:

• Water helps flush out waste that could contribute to chronic inflammation.
• Proper fluid levels allow nutrient delivery to cells and ensure adequate blood volume.
• Water helps lubricate and cushion the joints because it is a major component of cartilage and synovial fluid.
• Hydration alone is not sufficient to maintain joint and muscle health. Electrolytes (sodium, potassium, and magnesium) are essential minerals that help stabilize joints, control muscle contraction and relaxation, and enable nervous signal transmission.
  

Besides dietary changes, other routine activities may help combat inflammation. These activities are helpful in relieving stress-induced inflammation:

• Regular exercise, especially gentle movement such as yoga and stretching
• Relaxation techniques, including meditation and deep breathing exercises
• Adequate rest
• Taking time for hobbies and recreation

Heat therapy, which increases blood flow to sore or ailing joints, may relieve joint pain and stiffness. 

Chronic inflammatory arthritic conditions target specific joints. 

Joint conditions associated with hypothyroidism, however, are generally just one manifestation of a situation with systemic effects. Restoration of normal thyroid hormone levels generally alleviates the joint ailment.



To determine whether your joint issues are caused by hypothyroidism or arthritis, visit Dr. Donna Sergi at HealthierU. Dr. Sergi specializes in helping her clients find holistic healing through holistic health and nutrition. 

There is a range of muscle, bone, and joint conditions that hypothyroid patients experience. Each person’s experience is unique, but the most commonly observed complaints among this population include:

• Pain in the knees, feet, ankles, and hands
• Swelling of the joints, as in joint effusions
• Joint stiffness
• Buildup of protein deposits called amyloids in joint tissue, a possible cause of hypothyroidism

The only way to distinguish between arthralgia induced by thyroid dysfunction or some other condition is to be evaluated by a healthcare provider. If treatment for thyroid dysfunction relieves your joint pain, then it is likely not caused by another underlying condition, such as:



• Fibromyalgia
• Autoimmune conditions, such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis
• Osteoarthritis
• Tendon, ligament, or meniscus injuries
• Gout
• Bursitis
• Some medications

Restoration of thyroid levels should alleviate your joint pain. If it doesn’t, it’s likely that another condition is the cause of your symptoms. 

In the meantime, a holistic approach to your health, including dietary and lifestyle changes, can help you cope with pain or discomfort effectively.

HealthierU’s hypothyroidism treatment in Brooklyn can help you get into the swing of cultivating joint-friendly habits. You’ll need to be vigilant for subtle changes in your symptoms so you can appreciate the beneficial effects of your efforts until they’ve had time to bring about substantial improvement. 

At your initial nutrition consultation with HealthierU, Dr. Sergi will take the time to learn about your unique health circumstances — including any dietary sensitivities and nutritional deficiencies — to build a nutrition plan that supports both thyroid and joint recovery. She is here to guide and encourage you on the way to recovery. 

Contact HealthierU today to begin addressing your hypothyroidism and joint problems in a safe and natural way.