Postpartum Joint Pain

[bizzylizzy]

I've been having a sudden onset of joint pain....having a hard time walking in the morning, even putting my feet on the floor. My legs, pelvis and hands are almost arthritic since about 3 months pp (I'm 4 months now). I just had my first period so I know my hormones are changing. Also I'm exclusively BFing. I've talked to a few mom's that said they had this too, but I can't seem to find any information about this. This isn't a positional, wt bearing type of pain. Is this transitory or something I should seek medical attention for? Ideas?

[staceychev]

I've had this, off and on, too. I finally started seeing a chiro about a month ago for the pubic bone pain. Anyway, he also has been off (well, mostly) solanine producing foods (tomatoes, potatoes, peppers--both bell and chile, fresh and dried, eggplant, and paprika) which supposedly increase inflammation in the body. I've also been taking mega-doses of fish oil with omega-3s, and I do feel better. Not sure if it's just moving further away from birth (it's been 4.5 months, but I'm already menstruating again), or if it's the process.

Hey, welcome to MDC, by the way, and contrats on your little one!

[lifeguard]

I had it terribly after ds was born. I looked & looked for information but couldn't find anything really helpful. My hands especially left me feeling crippled at times.

Ds is 21 months now & I can't remember when the pain stopped but I'm pretty sure it was within the first year.

[bizzylizzy]

Thanks for the input. It does make me feel better to know that other mom's out there have had similar experiences and seen it improve. I'm also wondering if age has something to do with it, nothing like having your first baby at 37 to make you feel old and creaky. I have been really lax on taking my supplements since baby arrived so I need to get on that again. And acupuncture/massage is in the works...it's about time DS started getting used to having someone else care for him every once in a while.

Thanks again.

[staceychev]

Originally Posted by bizzylizzy

I'm also wondering if age has something to do with it, nothing like having your first baby at 37 to make you feel old and creaky.

Interesting thought. Definitely noticed it this time and don't remember it from last time--age 37 vs. age 32.

[is it puppies?]

low thyroid I think can cause all those symptoms and is common postpartum...

[syn_ack89]

I remember reading in La Leche's magazine that your joints loosen while pregnant and stay looser while breastfeeding. I noticed the achy joints quite a bit after my 2nd LO was born (1st at 35, 2nd at 38). He is 10mo and they are better, but still achy. Take care of yourself and give it some time!