Symptom 4. Joint and Muscle Pain: The Unseen Ache
Hashimoto’s disease can also manifest as joint and muscle pain, often misinterpreted as signs of aging or overexertion. It’s a common misconception that autoimmune disorders like Hashimoto’s disease only affect the target organ—in this case, the thyroid. However, they can impact various body systems, leading to a range of symptoms that might not immediately be associated with the thyroid.
Women with Hashimoto’s disease often report aching muscles and stiff joints, particularly in the wrists and hands. Some may also experience muscle weakness, particularly in the lower extremities. It might become challenging to climb stairs, lift heavy objects, or perform other routine tasks that require muscular strength.
The muscle aches and joint pains are likely due to inflammation caused by the autoimmune response. Inflammatory substances released during these responses can infiltrate muscle and joint tissues, causing pain, stiffness, and sometimes even swelling. (4)
