NAFLD and muscle loss / joint pain - British Liver Trust

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NAFLD and muscle loss / joint pain

Uk1011 profile image
10 Replies

Hello everyone.

I was hoping someone can provide some information on muscle loss/ knee and joint pain and liver disease.

I was diagnosed with NAFLD about six months ago - the fibroscan said low kpa score 3.8 but high CAP score - 320. During this time I have noticed am quite a bit of muscle loss in my upper legs and more recently, quite a bit of pain in my knees and fingers. The hepatologist and my GP say this can’t be because of the liver, but I have had tests for arthritis which have come back fine. I am on regular medication for a blood clotting disorder, headaches/ anxiety and think this is making my liver worse and ultimately causing the muscle loss/ knee pain.

I have read that liver disease can cause muscle loss/ joint pain and was wondering if anyone else has experienced this too- it would be good to know that I am not barking up the wrong tree here, and this could be down to NALFD.

Many thanks

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Uk1011 profile image
Uk1011
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10 Replies
Uk1011 profile image
Uk1011

By the way, I do get pain just under my ribs where the liver is quite often and also under my right shoulder blade too, which also makes me believe all my issues are liver related.

Thanks again

JennerLayne profile image
JennerLayne

Yes, I have great muscle loss, but without joint pain. The primary areas of wasting are around my knees and lower thighs, and in the elbow/bicep areas. I started to notice it 5 months ago, as I had a period of rapid weight loss of 20+ lbs. While I am still overweight by 10-12 lbs, according to US guidelines for height/weight, I can easily feel and trace my bones as 'no padding' is left around them.

I was told by both my Gastro and Hepatologist to eat a high, but lean protein and Mediterranean Diet, and to have a bedtime snack to keep the liver 'busy' at night. I can tolerate about 6-8 very small meals daily. There is a bit of weakness and shaky legs when walking or lifting, and I've now been instructed by my Hep to have a bone scan soon.

Could your joint issues be attributed to an AI Rheumatic disease? Have you seen a rheumatologist? My Rheumy noticed my muscle loss and suggested walking, along with low impact cardio and light weights for the arms and legs to help retain the muscle I have remaining.

During the pandemic, I've become a bit more sedentary but now that I am under the care of a transplant team (low meld score and currently compensated), they are ensuring I maintain proper nutrition, exercise, and heath . . . a 'pre-habilitation regimen' so I'm able to qualify for a transplant as my disease progresses.

Incidentally, AIH, PBC (cirrhosis with Portal Hypertension), GAVE Disease, Sine Scleroderma / Systemic Sclerosis and Anemia are my primary issues.

I hope you can get the support, treatment and answers you need!

Uk1011 profile image
Uk1011 in reply to JennerLayne

Thank you for your detailed reply - very informative. Sorry to hear about your issues and hope you are as managing well as can be under the circumstances.

My muscle loss seems similar to yours, especially around the lower thighs. I have seen a rheumatologist who has done some tests and doesn’t think this is a rheumatic disorder, hence, hence my thinking that this is a liver issue being made worse by the medication I am taking.

Hopefully I will be able to get some clarification on this soon.

Naomi39 profile image
Naomi39

Hi , might also be worth getting your vitamin d and b12 checked if you havent already

Uk1011 profile image
Uk1011 in reply to Naomi39

Hello. Not sure if I’ve had B12 checked, by my Vit D was tested about 3 weeks ago and I was just below what the minimum number for normal is. So I have been taking supplants for the last 3 weeks, although can’t see any difference as yet. Know Vit D deficiency can cause bone pain, but does it contribute to muscle loss too

Naomi39 profile image
Naomi39 in reply to Uk1011

Theres a couple of really good support groups on facebook about vitamin d and b12 alot of people talk about these problems , and what supplements to take to help , alot of people talk about magnesium and vitamin k2 to take along side vitiman d to improve conditions the best one is vitamin d wellness group , I was very suprised to learn the side effects of a vitamin deficiency

Uk1011 profile image
Uk1011 in reply to Naomi39

Thank you for the information Naomi, will take a look at this.

Jimmywaz profile image
Jimmywaz

Hi there I’m experiencing the same no matter how much I eat and exercise and lift weights I can not put any muscle back on and am actually losing weight?It’s around my legs and collerbone and all over really, it’s so annoying and worrying I know I’m not very well but I look it with weight loss, hate it!!!

My consultant has just gave me good results back from consultant and said I might be out of the woods?? But this weight loss can’t work it out!!???

Uk1011 profile image
Uk1011 in reply to Jimmywaz

Thank you for your reply. Good to hear your consultant said you may be out of the woods, but not about the weight loss. Do you mind advising what type of liver issue you have is it NAFLD. Would be interesting to know, just so I know that muscle loss can be a symptom of the diaease

pushthrough profile image
pushthrough

Hello UK, I have compensated cirrhosis, just diagnosed. My only symptom is joint pain in my hands, bottom of my feet and knees. No muscle loss though, just weaker.

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