Graves and sore upper arms

[Samejane]

I was diagnosed with Graves and am now on 5mg Carbimazole daily.But for months have had sore shoulder and now both upper arms are sore, esp in morning. I had sore arms symptom before I was diagnosed with hyperactive thyroid. iit went promptly with medication ... but has returned. Anyone had anything similar?

[Cat4health]

I had really sore traps a lot of the time when I was hyper, altho I get them periodically now just from working out. My understanding is that high levels of thyroid do 2 things that impact muscles - they destroy muscle and they reduce your acetyl l carnitine levels which leads to the shakes we all get and muscle cramps. However I also think that going low can impact muscle and joint pain. So it is probably worth checking your levels. You can also supplement with acetyl l carnitine but it has to be done carefully and along with a reduction of carbimazole cos it also functions like a bit of an anti thyroid (blocks ft3 from entering the cells).

Best of luck, I hope a blood test will give you more clarity.

Cat

[Samejane in reply to Cat4health]

Thanks Cat, Food for thought. I know I feel diminished and a bit wimpy muscle wise!

[Simplyred57]

I have had the same for the last 6 weeks and have been on various painkillers and anti inflammatories without any relief, I had my thyroid levels checked just before lockdown and both good and in the upper end of the range. Finally had a blood test on Wednesday after 4 telephone consultations , my GP agreed to do it ( I needed answers ) he examined me and said he would test for polymyalgia, the results came back clear of that and offered codeine , so no further on I’m afraid. I have been using biofreeze menthol roll on to relieve it for now , which helps a little , when we’re out of lockdown they will give me an MRI if the problem is still there.

[Samejane in reply to Simplyred57]

On line physio advised me to use deep heat type creams and go for one to one consultation post lockdown. Pharmacist suggested Ibuprofen. But every time I ask physios could it be linked to thyroid physios say no ...that more likely too much sitting at computer! Although both upper arms now hurt, the real problem arm(my left arm) got wasted while I was hyper and ended up much thinner!(I lost a stone but have now put the weight back on thanks to medication settling me down!)

[Simplyred57 in reply to Samejane]

I have tried naproxen & Celebrex both prescription inflammatories, but neither helped , they tried to give me antidepressants as they said it could help ( I declined that one ) I have a physio I can see post lockdown so will try to see her. I’ve been sleeping in the spare room with a pillow under each arm that takes the pressure off at night at least, I can hardly put my jacket on , it’s so painful 😣

[Workingitout]

Hi, l have had sore shoulders and upper arms as well as sore hips. I have Hashi’s and am on 75mg Levo. I have been looking into Oxalates which are said to be present in lots of ‘health’ food l was eating like spinach, sweet potato, pulses, chia seeds, nuts and seeds, rhubarb. Oxalates are believed to bind with things like calcium and form hard sharp crystals which can be the cause of joint pain. I don’t know about the science but have changed my diet and had much less pain.

[Simplyred57 in reply to Workingitout]

That sounds interesting I will have a look , thank you

[Samejane]

The diet info is thought provoking ..I have seen on this site that a lot of people go wheat free too. You just don't know quite what to eat and what to avoid!

[Ruane]

I had pain in my legs, before I was diagnosed with Graves. I thought I had started with arthritis. It was muscle wastage. It does sound as though you are have that in your shoulders. I was on meds for 18 months and although I’ve had a couple of minor blips over all I petty fit now. No meds for over a year.

[Samejane in reply to Ruane]

Thanks for sharing your experience ..offers hope of good outcomes and reassurance re others getting muscle pains

[Bibisbibi]

Ih my god!This post has enlightened me!I am hypo and still not regulated,and have random sharp pains to my bones.I know my knees and right shoulder are bit worn,but I found it weird to have sharp pain to random bones that aren't my joints.

[Samejane]

Hope you get regulated soon - it is hard to know what is caused by thyroid issues as our bodies seem to "rebel" in all different directions! I hope to seek out a physio after lockdown who I know and who has treated me before, who can advise me whether shoulder is mechanical or muscular issue! Hope your pain settles down.