Hypothyroidism and calf muscles

[JustWondering2024]

If you have an underactive thyroid does it affect your calf muscles at all?

I was diagnosed 2 years ago and when I told my GP that my calf muscles got really sore when I walk, they said to wait and see what they're like once they've found the right dosage of Levothyroxine.

I stupidly thought the muscle problem had disappeared because when I walk short distances (as long as I'm not wearing flat shoes), it's fine.

But I've realised it's continual walking without stopping that's causing the burning pain. I tried to walk up a really long flight of stairs last week and it was so debilitating I had to stop and let people go past me. Ditto when I tried recently to walk from one point to another (just over a mile) without stopping.

I've got an appointment next week but I just wondered if there's anything they can do, as I'm on the right dosage of Levothyroxine.

Can anyone relate?

Hypothyroidism can be linked with things like B12 /folate deficiency, vitamin D deficiency, low iron etc. iirc a couple of those can cause muscle issues. Apparently a lot of the U.K. is also magnesium deficient and that can cause leg muscle issues, although good luck getting that tested. A lot of areas don’t even test vitamin D these days.

@ItSucksSo I do still get a full blood test every 3 months but I don't think they test for magnesium?

I'll ask about that, thank you.

They won’t test for half the things I’ve mentioned on a regular basis tbh.

I have to admit my GP is really good lately since they were put into special measures a while back.

So I'll go armed with what you've said and see what they say about getting tested.

Hypothyroidism basically affects everything in your body, including muscles. It either slows things down, like your gut, or weakens them, like muscles and ligaments. It's rubbish.

You may well be on the 'right' dose of Levo OP, but there are many other nutrients that are frequently sub-optimal in thyroid patients: B2, B12, folate, ferritin, Vit D, Magnesium. The list goes on...

What do you mean by not wearing flat shoes? if you have worn high heels for a long time, that damages muscles, ligaments, tendons etc in your lower legs

Have you spoken to a physio?

No I don't mean high heels. I just mean I have to have a tiny bit of a heel or like those sort of air cushion things on the bottom of trainers.

I can't walk in anything completely flat, as it puts too much strain on my calf muscles.

@RoderickHosclassicblackhoodie no but I've got a GP appointment next week, so will take it from there.

I've had hypothyroidism for about 7 years. I havent ever had a problem with calf (or any other) muscles. That's not to say its not related though, it seems to affect pretty much everything!

As someone who was born without a thyroid, so have a very underactive one lol 😂 I can confirm hypothyroidism spawns about 500 symptoms, any aches or pains I get now I just put it down to that unless it lasts longer than a week. Everyday is a lucky dip of which symptoms want to surprise you x

It's shit isn't it?

I had no idea they were so important until mine decided to take it's ball back and go home 😂

DH had sore Achilles tendons before his hypothyroidism was treated - that might be a factor for you?

I've had a chronic lower back problem for about 15 yrs now, I reckon it's due to hypothyroidism that I've never been able to recover. It's 'only' muscle and ligament related, but I can't seem to put it behind me. Doing recommended exercises only ends up with me re-injuring, so I gave that up long ago. Best I can do is just manage it. I'm pretty sure if I wasn't hypo I'd be better.