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What Causes Stiffness And Burning Sensation In Lower Legs While On Synthroid?
Question: I began in taking synthroid in XXXXXXX 2015, by August I was having extreme stiffness and burning sensations in my lower legs , top of feet and ankles. The stiffness is worse following walking.when it is really bad I trip over my toes and drag my left leg. I work at a very physical job. I am wondering if the Synthroid is not tolerated well by my body. Started out with TSH 9.5 went down to 4. Last checked was up to 6.75 I have hashimotos. I am supplementing recently with Vit D,selenium, B12, and iron because it was below normal which is associated with synthroid use, and omega 3 . The supplementation has helped with general malaise, by improving energy and motivation. Would like some help with these symtoms associated with stiff burning tendons.
Brief Answer:
Hormone tests
Detailed Answer:
Sorry to learn about your bothersome symptoms.
A general goal for the TSH for someone on treatment is around 1 to 2.
Likewise, the optimal 25 hydroxy Vitamin D blood levels are 40 to 60 ng/ml.
So what I am implying here is that after correctly diagnosing an under-active thyroid condition and vitamin D deficiency, it is important to treat in order to achieve targets.
If these are not in the desirable range then muscle and tendon related pains can occur.
I strongly encourage you to consult an endocrinologist in-person to see where you stand with respect to these levels.
When I see someone like you in my practice, I typically order the following blood tests in addition to a detailed physical examination:
CBC (Complete Blood Count, also known as Hemogram; includes Hemoglobin, WBC and Platelet counts)
Electrolytes (Sodium and Potassium in particular)
HbA1c (Glycosylated Hemoglobin = your 3 month glucose average)
Liver function tests (SGOT , SGPT, Albumin, Bilirubin, Alkaline Phosphatase)
Kidney function tests (BUN, Creatinine)
TSH
Free T4
Anti Thyroid Peroxidase (TPO) antibodies
Anti Thyroglobulin antibodies
25 hydroxy Vitamin D
None of these tests require any fasting and can be done at any time of the day
Hormone tests
Detailed Answer:
Sorry to learn about your bothersome symptoms.
A general goal for the TSH for someone on treatment is around 1 to 2.
Likewise, the optimal 25 hydroxy Vitamin D blood levels are 40 to 60 ng/ml.
So what I am implying here is that after correctly diagnosing an under-active thyroid condition and vitamin D deficiency, it is important to treat in order to achieve targets.
If these are not in the desirable range then muscle and tendon related pains can occur.
I strongly encourage you to consult an endocrinologist in-person to see where you stand with respect to these levels.
When I see someone like you in my practice, I typically order the following blood tests in addition to a detailed physical examination:
CBC (Complete Blood Count, also known as Hemogram; includes Hemoglobin, WBC and Platelet counts)
Electrolytes (Sodium and Potassium in particular)
HbA1c (Glycosylated Hemoglobin = your 3 month glucose average)
Liver function tests (SGOT , SGPT, Albumin, Bilirubin, Alkaline Phosphatase)
Kidney function tests (BUN, Creatinine)
TSH
Free T4
Anti Thyroid Peroxidase (TPO) antibodies
Anti Thyroglobulin antibodies
25 hydroxy Vitamin D
None of these tests require any fasting and can be done at any time of the day
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
Answered by
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