Hyperparathyroid Joint Pain
Hyperparathyroidism is a condition that occurs when one or more of the parathyroid glands becomes overly active and constantly releases calcium into the bloodstream, according to Parathyroid.com. If you are suffering from this condition you may experience joint pain along with anxiety, fatigue, low energy levels, bone pain, muscle weakness, loss of appetite and constipation, according to Mdanderson.org.
-
What This Gland Does
-
The parathyroid glands are situated in the neck and are attached to the back side of the thyroid gland, reports Nlm.nih.gov. The glands produce parathyroid hormones (PTH) that control the vitamin D levels within the blood and bone as well as the phosphorus and calcium levels. It determines how much calcium we absorb and how much we release through our urine. In addition, this gland determines how much calcium will be stored in our bones and how much calcium will be in our muscles and nervous system.
When There is Too Much Calcium
-
When calcium levels dip too low, the body springs into action and increases production of the parathyroid hormone. However, the increase in this hormone results in calcium being removed from the bones. The calcium is then reabsorbed by the kidneys and the intestines. If calcium levels return to normal, the parathyroid glands slow down production but if levels don't return to normal the parathyroid glands and their production of hormones can get out of control.
-
The Outcome
-
When there is far too much parathyroid hormone in your body, this directly affects your bones and causes the calcium to leave the bones and travel into the blood. The bones then become porous and fragile, because they are lacking calcium, and may fracture.
Pain
-
Bone pain and joint pain are quite common among those suffering from this condition because, among other factors, the spinal column will weaken as this condition progresses. The result is that the individual will become hunched over and may develop a Dowager's hump. When you are losing calcium from your bones, this will make your lower back, wrists, hips and legs ache.
Effects
-
One of the reasons individuals with this condition suffer bone and joint pain is because they develop osteopororis. However, if the bad parathyroid gland is removed, the joint and bone pain will cease, usually within six to 12 hours. Bone density also reportedly increases significantly once the gland is removed. Parathyroid.com explains that osteoporosis that is associated with hyperparathyrodism is virtually the only kind of osteoporosis that is completely reversible.
Warning
-
If hyperparathyroid disease is not treated it will absolutely result in osteoporosis. The parathyroid gland must be removed in order to halt the progression of this condition. If a woman is post-menopausal and has this disease, she will likely develop osteoporosis two to five times faster than women who do not have this condition. The most devastating cases of osteoporosis occur in people with untreated hyperparathyroidism.
-
