Thyroid Disease & Pain

Thyroid hormones are produced by a gland found in the front portion of the neck. Underproduction of these hormones is known as hypothyroidism, whereas overproduction of the hormones calcitonin and thyroxine is called hyperthyroidism.

Goiter

• Some people who have a thyroid problem develop a swollen thyroid gland known as a goiter. If it becomes too large, it can cause problems with breathing, wheezing, coughing and even dizziness.

Symptoms

• Some of the problems linked with hypothyroidism are fatigue, constipation, cold, unintentional weight gain, hair loss and weakness. Some of the problems associated with Grave's Disease (hyperthyroidism) are diarrhea, intolerance to heat, increased appetite, sweating and restlessness.

Muscular Pain

• When the thyroid is not functioning correctly, it is not producing enough thyroid hormone, or T3. Without the additional hormone, joint and muscular pain are common.

Joint Pain

• Hypothyroidism can cause general pain and weakness in the muscles and joints. One might suffer from numbness and pain in the forearm, fingers and wrist with carpal tunnel syndrome. Tarsal tunnel syndrome is the same painful condition only located in the foot, tracing a line from the arch along the bottom to the toes.

Hyperthyroidism Muscular Pain

• Many people suffering from hyperthyroidism may lose the strength and tone of their muscles. This "muscle wasting" process can cause problems with griping or lifting objects, climbing steps and even swallowing.

Other Problems

• According to the Mayo Clinic, a person with hypothyroidism has a higher risk of developing other autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis.