Expert Advice
Acella Pharmaceuticals, LLC., is partnering with Angila Berni, M.S., SFG II, RYT, to bring greater awareness to the importance of thyroid care and education. This post is sponsored by Acella Pharmaceuticals and should not be construed as medical advice. Please talk to your doctor about your individual medical situation.
Disclaimer: The information provided is for educational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional or health care provider before beginning any exercise, fitness, diet, or nutrition routine.
Individuals with hypothyroidism may experience symptoms that manifest throughout their bodies, including the legs. The thyroid gland plays a crucial role in regulating the body's metabolism. When it is underactive, it can lead to various symptoms, such as leg swelling, pain, weakness, cramps, fatigue, and stiffness. As many as 79% of newly diagnosed hypothyroid patients report neuromuscular complaints.1
The first course of action is to work with your healthcare provider to assess your hormone levels and find the right therapy that is right for your specific situation. To help reduce some of the symptoms associated with leg pain and swelling in patients with hypothyroidism, here are some lifestyle strategies that may be beneficial:
• Proper medication management. Work with your health care provider to ensure proper dosage and timing.
• Healthy diet. Limit the consumption of high-sodium foods to help minimize fluid retention. Increase fiber-rich foods such as fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and legumes. Consult a dietitian to ensure proper nutrition.
• Hydrate. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to promote circulation and reduce toxins.
In addition to these strategies to help reduce leg pain and swelling, here are some exercises to consider:
Water exercises. Try water-based exercises such as swimming or aqua aerobics. These low-impact activities help increase circulation while reducing stress on the joints.
Low-impact cardio. Walking, cycling, and the elliptical trainer can promote circulation, improve cardiovascular fitness and help manage weight.
Yoga or Pilates. Improve balance, strength, and flexibility with a highly controlled series of movements, breath work, and body awareness techniques.
Strength training exercises. Squats, lunges, and deadlifts can help improve circulation, build strength, and reduce the risk of falls.
Always begin a new exercise routine slowly before gradually increasing the intensity and duration. Listen to your body, and don’t push beyond your limits. Consult with your health care provider for a comprehensive evaluation and recommendations.
REFERENCES: 1. Duyff RF, Van den Bosch J, Laman DM, et al. Neuromuscular findings in thyroid dysfunction: a prospective clinical and electrodiagnostic study. Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry 2000;68:750-755.
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INDICATIONS & IMPORTANT RISK INFORMATION INCLUDING BLACK BOX
WARNING
Important Risk Information
Drugs with thyroid hormone activity, alone or together with other therapeutic agents, have been used for the treatment of obesity. In euthyroid patients, doses within the range of daily hormonal requirements are ineffective for weight reduction. Larger doses may produce serious or even life-threatening manifestations of toxicity, particularly when given in association with sympathomimetic amines such as those used for their anorectic effects.
- NP Thyroid® is contraindicated in patients with uncorrected adrenal insufficiency, untreated thyrotoxicosis, and hypersensitivity to any component of the product.
- In the elderly and in patients with cardiovascular disease, NP Thyroid® should be used with greater caution than younger patients or those without cardiovascular disease.
- Use of NP Thyroid® in patients with diabetes mellitus or adrenal cortical insufficiency may worsen the intensity of their symptoms.
- The therapy of myxedema coma requires simultaneous administration of glucocorticoids.
- Concomitant use of NP Thyroid® with oral anticoagulants alters the sensitivity of oral anticoagulants. Prothrombin time should be closely monitored in thyroid-treated patients on oral anticoagulants.
- In infants, excessive doses of NP Thyroid® may produce craniosynostosis.
- Partial loss of hair may be experienced by children in the first few months of therapy but is usually transient.
- Adverse reactions associated with NP Thyroid® therapy are primarily those of hyperthyroidism due to therapeutic overdosage.
- Many drugs and some laboratory tests may alter the therapeutic response to NP Thyroid®. In addition, thyroid hormones and thyroid status have varied effects on the pharmacokinetics and actions of other drugs. Administer at least 4 hours before or after drugs that are known to interfere with absorption. Evaluate the need for dose adjustments when regularly administering within one hour of certain foods that may affect absorption.
- NP Thyroid® should not be discontinued during pregnancy, and hypothyroidism diagnosed during pregnancy should be promptly treated.
Indication
NP Thyroid® (thyroid tablets, USP) is a prescription medicine that is used to treat a condition called hypothyroidism from any cause, except for cases of temporary hypothyroidism, which is usually associated with an inflammation of the thyroid (thyroiditis). It is meant to replace or supplement a hormone that is usually made by your thyroid gland.
NP Thyroid® is also used in the treatment and prevention of normal functioning thyroid goiters, such as thyroid nodules, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, multinodular goiter, and in the management of thyroid cancer.