- With Mayo Clinic endocrinologist
Todd B. Nippoldt, M.D.
read biographyclose windowBiography of
Todd B. Nippoldt, M.D.
Todd B. Nippoldt, M.D.
Dr. Todd Nippoldt is a board-certified specialist in internal medicine and endocrinology and metabolism. He has special expertise in the area of hormone disorders affecting the pituitary and adrenal glands as well as the testes and ovaries. He has been a member of the Mayo Clinic staff since 1988.
Dr. Nippoldt is a consultant in the Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Nutrition and works with patients who have disorders of the hormone-producing glands. Common disorders include diabetes, thyroid problems, osteoporosis and elevated cholesterol levels.
He also is involved in andrology, the study of male hormonal disorders, male infertility and sexual dysfunction and is an assistant professor of medicine at Mayo Clinic College of Medicine.
Dr. Nippoldt, a St. Paul, Minn., native, has also contributed to "Mayo Clinic Health Letter," a Mayo Clinic CD-ROM and the "Mayo Clinic Family Health Book." He is a fellow in the American College of Physicians and a member of the American Society of Reproductive Medicine, the American Society of Andrology, The Endocrine Society, The Pituitary Society and the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists.
"I have found that those patients who have gone to the Internet and obtained accurate medical information come to their appointment with me very well informed, and the discussions regarding the evaluation and management of their condition are very productive and satisfying," he says.
"The key, however, is obtaining accurate medical information. As a medical editor for MayoClinic.com, I hope to be able to ensure that accurate, relevant and up-to-date information is available for patients and their families."
Definition (1)
- Wilson's syndrome: Is it an accepted medical diagnosis?
Symptoms (2)
- Hypothyroidism: Does it cause joint pain?
- Thyroid disease: Can it affect a person's mood?
Complications (1)
- Hypothyroidism symptoms: Can hypothyroidism cause eye problems?
Treatments and drugs (5)
- Soy: Does it worsen hypothyroidism?
- Hypothyroidism diet: Can certain foods increase thyroid function?
- Coconut oil: Can it cure hypothyroidism?
- see all in Treatments and drugs
Alternative medicine (1)
- Coconut oil: Can it cure hypothyroidism?
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Question
Hypothyroidism: Does it cause joint pain?
Can hypothyroidism cause joint pain? I have hypothyroidism and have been experiencing severe arthritis-like pain in my shoulders and hips.
Answer
from Todd B. Nippoldt, M.D.
The signs and symptoms of underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) vary widely, depending on the severity of the hormone deficiency. For some people, low levels of thyroid hormone contribute to joint and muscle problems.
Specifically, hypothyroidism may lead to:
- Muscle aches, tenderness and stiffness, especially in the shoulders and hips
- Joint pain and stiffness
- Swelling of the knee joint and small joints in the hands and feet
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
Treatment of these joint and muscle problems is often directed at the underlying thyroid disorder. Thyroid hormone treatment often helps dramatically. Pain relievers may help, too.
Keep in mind that hypothyroidism can increase your risk of developing other autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis. If pain, stiffness and swelling don't improve after adequate thyroid treatment, consult your doctor. He or she may consider other possible causes of your joint pain.
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