Fibroids & Joint Pain

Uterine fibroids typically are asymptomatic. When fibroids do produce symptoms, one possible, though unlikely, effect for the patient is joint pain. Understanding fibroid tumors, their potential effects and the available therapies can help patients make educated treatment decisions with their doctors.

The Facts

• Fibroids form in a woman's uterus when a single cell begins to grow rapidly for an unknown reason, creating a smooth muscle tumor. They can vary from the size of an apple seed to the size of a grapefruit or even a watermelon. Although the medical community uses the word "tumor" to describe fibroids, it simply means "growth," as fibroids are rarely cancerous. Fibroids are one of the most common female medical conditions, affecting at least 25 percent of women.

Signs and Symptoms

• While uterine fibroids usually have no symptoms, they can bring about heavy or painful periods, bleeding between periods, frequent urination, painful intercourse or reproductive issues. Depending on the size and location of the fibroids in relation to other internal organs, they also can lead to constipation, other rectal problems, kidney infections or kidney damage.

Joint Pain

• When joint pain occurs with fibroids, it typically signals that the tumors have grown. Their increasing weight can lead to pressure and pain in the pelvis. Although it is rare, fibroids also can cause lower back pain. This is more likely if a fibroid is large and located at the back of the uterus, pressing on the lower back nerves and muscles. Because fibroids so seldom cause back pain, and there are so many other possible causes of this symptom, it is important to fully evaluate all possible sources of low back pain before attributing it to fibroids.

Treatment

• The best fibroid treatment is one that is tailored to the patient's specific circumstances, pregnancy plans, her age and the size and location of the fibroids--and patients with no symptoms may not need any treatment at all. For patients who require treatment, medication is one option. Doctors may prescribe anti-inflammatories for pain or specialized medications called gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists that temporarily shrink, stop or slow the growth of uterine fibroids. These medications can have several side effects, including joint pain. Surgery, including fibroid removal and hysterectomy, also is an alternative.

Considerations

• Two additional measures are available that may be more effective than medication but are less invasive than surgery. Uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) cuts off the blood supply to the uterus, which shrinks the fibroids. The ExAblate 2000 system uses a focused ultrasound beam to destroy the fibroid tissue. Neither of these therapies is for everyone. Each patient should review the treatment alternatives with her doctor and understand the risks and which options are suited for her individual condition.