Examining the frequency of musculoskeletal manifestations in patients with thyroid dysfunction

Thyroid disorders have profound effects on body organs. This study was conducted aiming to examine the frequency of skeletal muscle manifestations in patients with thyroid dysfunction. The statistical population of this descriptive study was comprised of 200 patients with thyroid disorders referred to the endocrinology clinic of Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences from March 21, 2018, to September 23, 2018, who were included in the study by census method. The research checklist included the information obtained from the complete physical evaluation of each patient's organs as well as the demographic characteristics. The Chi-square test and Fisher's exact test were used to analyze the data. The mean age of the examined patients was 39.25±14.43 years. Out of 200 patients, 23 (11.5%) were male and 177 (88.5%) were female. Joint pain was found in 121 people (60.5%), morning stiffness in 45 people (22.5%), limited joint mobility in 44 people (22.0%), adhesive capsulitis in 25 people (12.5%), carpal tunnel syndrome in 24 people (0. 12%), trigger finger disorder in 20 people (10.0%), and 2 patients (1.0%) experienced tarsal tunnel. No musculoskeletal manifestations were reported in 74 individuals (0.37%) suffering from a thyroid disorder. There was a significant relationship between musculoskeletal manifestations accompanying thyroid disorders and gender (p=0.001), level of education (p<0.001), and occupation (p=0.002). The findings of this study indicated the comorbidity of musculoskeletal disorders and thyroid dysfunction. Therefore, patients with thyroid dysfunction should be screened for musculoskeletal complaints and, if necessary, receive appropriate treatment.