Can hypothyroidism cause joint pain? I have hypothyroidism and have been experiencing severe arthritis-like pain in my shoulders and hips.

Answer From Todd B. Nippoldt, M.D.

For some people, hypothyroidism can contribute to joint and muscle problems.

Specifically, hypothyroidism may lead to:

  • Muscle aches, tenderness and stiffness, especially in the shoulders and hips
  • Joint pain and stiffness
  • Swelling of the small joints in the hands and feet
  • Carpal tunnel syndrome

Reducing pain

Although common over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help, adequate thyroid hormone replacement is the primary treatment and often helps dramatically.

When to see your doctor

Keep in mind that people with the most common form of hypothyroidism have an increased risk of developing other autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis. If pain, stiffness and swelling don't improve after adequate thyroid treatment, consult your doctor. He or she may consider other possible causes of your joint pain.

Jan. 16, 2019 See more Expert Answers

See also

  1. Antidepressant withdrawal: Is there such a thing?
  2. Antidepressants and alcohol: What's the concern?
  3. Antidepressants and weight gain: What causes it?
  4. Antidepressants: Can they stop working?
  5. Antidepressants: Side effects
  6. Antidepressants: Selecting one that's right for you
  7. Antidepressants: Which cause the fewest sexual side effects?
  8. Arcus senilis: A sign of high cholesterol?
  9. Atypical antidepressants
  10. Caffeine and depression: Is there a link?
  11. Chapped lips: What's the best remedy?
  12. Cholesterol concerns? Get moving
  13. Cholesterol concerns? Lose excess pounds
  14. Cholesterol level: Can it be too low?
  15. Cholesterol medications: Consider the options
  16. Cholesterol ratio or non-HDL cholesterol: Which is most important?
  17. Cholesterol test kits: Are they accurate?
  18. Cholesterol: Top foods to improve your numbers
  19. Cholesterol-lowering supplements may be helpful
  20. Clinical depression: What does that mean?
  21. Coconut oil: Can it cure hypothyroidism?
  22. Coenzyme Q10
  23. Coma
  24. Depression and anxiety: Can I have both?
  25. Depression, anxiety and exercise
  26. Depression: Diagnosis is key
  27. Depression in women: Understanding the gender gap
  28. Depression (major depressive disorder)
  29. Depression: Provide support, encouragement
  30. Depression: Supporting a family member or friend
  31. Dry skin
  32. Eggs and cholesterol
  33. Eggs: Bad for cholesterol?
  34. Fatigue
  35. Fish oil and depression
  36. Five foods to lower your cholesterol
  37. HDL cholesterol: How to boost your 'good' cholesterol
  38. High cholesterol
  39. High cholesterol in children
  40. High cholesterol treatment: Does cinnamon lower cholesterol?
  41. How to heal cracked heels
  42. How to heal cracked skin at thumb tip
  43. Hypothyroidism and infertility: Any connection?
  44. Hypothyroidism: Can calcium supplements interfere with treatment?
  45. Hypothyroidism diet
  46. Hypothyroidism: Should I take iodine supplements?
  47. Hypothyroidism symptoms: Can hypothyroidism cause eye problems?
  48. Hypothyroidism
  49. Infant jaundice
  50. Is your diet hurting your heart?
  51. Joint pain
  52. Joint pain: Rheumatoid arthritis or parvovirus?
  53. Depression and diet
  54. Lexapro side effects: Is breast tenderness common?
  55. Low blood pressure (hypotension)
  56. Lowering Triglycerides
  57. Macrocytosis: What causes it?
  58. Male depression: Understanding the issues
  59. MAOIs and diet: Is it necessary to restrict tyramine?
  60. Marijuana and depression
  61. Mild depression: Are antidepressants effective?
  62. Mayo Clinic Minute: Moisturizer tips from a dermatologist
  63. Moisturizers: Options for softer skin
  64. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
  65. Muscle pain
  66. Natural remedies for depression: Are they effective?
  67. Nervous breakdown: What does it mean?
  68. Niacin to boost your HDL, 'good,' cholesterol
  69. Niacin overdose: What are the symptoms?
  70. Pain and depression: Is there a link?
  71. Pomegranate juice: Can it lower cholesterol?
  72. Is there a risk of rhabdomyolysis from statins?
  73. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
  74. Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
  75. Skip flavored lip balm
  76. Soy: Does it reduce cholesterol?
  77. Soy: Does it worsen hypothyroidism?
  78. Statin side effects
  79. Statins
  80. Statins: Do they cause ALS?
  81. Statins: Should you be on one?
  82. Symptom Checker
  83. Time your lotions right
  84. Lifestyle changes to improve cholesterol
  85. Trans fat: A double whammy
  86. Trans fat
  87. Trans fat substitutes: Not a slam dunk
  88. Treatment-resistant depression
  89. Tricyclic antidepressants and tetracyclic antidepressants
  90. Triglycerides: Why do they matter?
  91. Vitamin B-12 and depression
  92. VLDL cholesterol: Is it harmful?
  93. Ward off dry skin
  94. Wilson's syndrome: An accepted medical diagnosis?