Is there a link between hashimoto's and SI joint pain

Question

I was just recently told my GP that I probably have hashimoto's after being treated for hypothyroidism for several years. In 2016 after sitting at my computer for a short period I felt the muscles in my right hip and thigh starting to tighten. When I stood up a cramp shot down the front of my quad and I could hardly walk. After some PT I found relief and went back to running again. About 2 months later the same thing happened. Degeneration at L3 was found in my lower back and the orthopedic said the pain was from a pinched femoral nerve. I saw a chiropractor with no lasting relief. Another orthopedic said the same thing and I was in a second round of PT. This time a PTA in the clinic felt the main problem was coming from tight hip flexors and a hypermobile SI joint. I was doing better with the exercises she gave me. Now to my current situation. In June I had a bout of vertigo so I had blood work done. My GP concluded that I probably have hashimoto's. I have been underactive for several years. She did not change my synthyroid dosage. Ever since the vertigo I have felt weaker and hip flexors seem to be tighter again. I also have tightness in my calves. I have a goiter with nodules. Results of an ultrasound did not indicate any abnormalities in the nodules. Could all the problems I've had over the last year and a half been related to an undiagnosed case of hashimoto's?

gimel · Answer

Cortisol levels need to be optimal before even starting on thyroid med.  So if not tested for that it should be done.

Please respond to my prior post:

To help us assess your situation, please post your thyroid related test results and reference ranges shown on the lab report.  Also, if tested for Vitamin D, B12 and ferritin, please post those as well.

bizzylizzy06 · Answer

I have SI joint dysfunction and pain & something worthwhile to look at is SI joint dysfunction & adrenal issues. I know adrenal gland issues cause problems with lower back muscles & problems with lower back muscles can cause shifting of the SI joint where the SI joint isn't sitting like it should; tight & taught in the pelvis...

gimel · Answer

With Hashi's, and being on Synthroid, based on extensive experience and scientific evidence it is likely that you are still hypothyroid.  In assessing a person's thyroid status, the most important indicator is symptoms, followed by the biologically active thyroid hormones, Free T4 and Free T3.  TSH is inadequate as an initial  diagnostic for thyroid, and basically  a wasted test when already taking thyroid med. 

There is an extremely long list of symptoms that may be related to hypothyroidism.  The following link lists 26 of the most typical symptoms.  Which of those, if any, do you have?

http://endocrine-system.emedtv.com/hypothyroidism/hypothyroidism-symptoms-and-signs.html

To help us assess your situation, please post your thyroid related test results and reference ranges shown on the lab report.  Also, if tested for Vitamin D, B12 and ferritin, please post those as well.  

Even if it appears that you are still hypothyroid, that does not assure that your muscle issues are related; however, joint and muscle pain are known symptoms that are frequently related to hypothyroidism.  I have experienced knee pain so bad I could not get off a chair unless I used my arms to push up.  After getting my T4/T3 med dosage increased 3 days later I could do deep knee bends with no pain.  So if your medication and dosage are insufficient, then it would certainly be worth correcting and note the results.  

If the degeneration you mention at L3 is osteoporosis, then there are supplements that will help regenerate bone.  I have had success with that, if you are interested in knowing more.