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What Causes Bad Pain In Hands And Feet?
Question: Good day - I am 52 years old and had Total Thyroid Surgery due to cancer and have been on Synthroid since January - I underwnet Radioactive iodine treatment in May and overall everything went well. however I have had such bad pain in my hands (fingers) since August and my feet. It is when I wake up and cant close my fingers and walk like a penguin for a while - then about 15 mins later slowly it gets better. I am on a higher dosage of Synthroid 137 mc, to suppress signals that could stimulate the growth of any thyroid cancer. according to my doc. I m hoping this is only for a while?
Brief Answer:
Thyroid
Detailed Answer:
The practice of prescribing higher-than-usual synthroid doses for some years after thyroid cancer is customary.
However this generally does not cause stiffness in fingers. When I see someone like you in my practice, I evaluate them for potential causes of early morning stiffness which include conditions like Rheumatoid arthritis.
I often refer them to rheumatologists for confirmation.
The gait issues you are reporting are also unusual, although excessive synthroid doses can cause muscle weakness. If the blood tests reveal target levels of thyroid hormone, then other causes of this problem need to be investigated.
I typically order the following tests as a starting point:
CBC
CMP
25 hydroxy vitamin D
Thyroid
Detailed Answer:
The practice of prescribing higher-than-usual synthroid doses for some years after thyroid cancer is customary.
However this generally does not cause stiffness in fingers. When I see someone like you in my practice, I evaluate them for potential causes of early morning stiffness which include conditions like Rheumatoid arthritis.
I often refer them to rheumatologists for confirmation.
The gait issues you are reporting are also unusual, although excessive synthroid doses can cause muscle weakness. If the blood tests reveal target levels of thyroid hormone, then other causes of this problem need to be investigated.
I typically order the following tests as a starting point:
CBC
CMP
25 hydroxy vitamin D
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you so much Dr. Topiwala, It does seem like I have these bone issues / or perhaps muscle issues. The reason I walk like that when I wake up is that my ankles are sore. The doc said he is keeping me on the higher level until about a year after my radioactive iodine treatment which is May. I also get hot flashes and heart palpitations which he said is due to the higher thyroid meds. I did do blood test for RA and auto immune disease and it was negative. The rhemotoligist also said it is wear and tear athritits. So I just don't know what to do about my hands feet and arms being sore. ? How do I know if its the muscle or bones? Do i request the above blood tests ? Do I take something ? Calcium? Glucousomine? I appreciate your answer and time. Thank you.
Brief Answer:
Follow up
Detailed Answer:
The hot flashes can be from your menopausal transition too.
Yes, the blood tests will be helpful. Treating low vitamin D levels, if you are found to be deficient, is known to benefit bone and muscle health
Follow up
Detailed Answer:
The hot flashes can be from your menopausal transition too.
Yes, the blood tests will be helpful. Treating low vitamin D levels, if you are found to be deficient, is known to benefit bone and muscle health
Note: For more information on hormonal imbalance symptoms or unmanaged diabetes with other comorbid conditions, get back to us & Consult with an Endocrinologist. Click here to book an appointment.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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