Joint Pain as a Symptom of Graves’ Disease
People with Graves’ disease may experience joint pain. Graves' disease is an autoimmune disorder where the immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid gland, leading to an overproduction of thyroid hormones. This can cause various symptoms related to hyperthyroidism, such as fast heartbeat, weight loss, nervousness, shaky hands, muscle weakness, sweating, and trouble tolerating heat. A less common effect of Graves' disease is Graves dermopathy. This condition can cause reddened and thickened skin around the shins or on the tops of the feet. While Graves dermopathy is usually mild, it can potentially cause discomfort and pain.
Joint pain in patients with Graves’ disease may be due to its relationship to another autoimmune disease, rheumatoid arthritis (RA). RA causes swelling and pain in joints. There is a high prevalence of RA in people with Graves’ disease. Similarly, a relatively high percentage of people with RA have Graves’ disease.
Recognizing joint pain as a symptom of Graves' disease can be done by paying attention to its location and type. Joint pain is typically felt in and around the joints, and it can be sharp or burning in nature. It may affect multiple areas of the body, but it is commonly experienced in the hands, feet, knees, hips, and neck.
In people with Graves’ disease and joint pain due to rheumatoid arthritis, RA may be treated similarly to people without Graves’ disease, including:
- Antiinflammatory: Non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may be used to help reduce swelling and relieve joint pain.
- Disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD): These are medications that suppress the immune system to reduce inflammation and pain. There are conventional DMARDs and biologic DMARDs.
- Physical therapy: A doctor may refer individuals to a physical therapist for physical therapy that may help with strength and mobility.
It's important to note to consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice regarding management of joint pain with Graves’ disease. They will be able to provide a diagnosis and guidance based on an individual's specific situation.
Medication dosing may be affected by many factors. Check with your health care professional about dosing for your individual situation. Side effects can occur. Check with your health care professional or read the information provided with your medication for additional side effect information.