Foot pain with Anastrozole?

Posted by lhwoz @lhwoz, Oct 17, 2023

Hello all-
I have read on this topic from posts that were from 4-5 years ago but looking for your experience from more recently.

I am 56 and on month 6 of Anastrozole. I had ILC stage 1/2 with lumpectomy/re excision and a course of radiation.

I have alwasy been very active as a lifestyle, hiking, gym, Orangetheory etc. Hike all over zion/Bryce Canyon in early May when radiation done to celebrate and remind myself if who I am and will be.

Since Aug I have had some achilles tenderness but more debilitating is crazy foot/heel pain especially in the am or when I get up from sitting/non movement. I have been attributing it to achilles tendinitis(self diagnosis 🙁 ) but I am finally thinking this is the anastrozole? I literally walk /hobble when I am first out of bed. I have some hand pain also but it feels just more like arthritic/tightness and not as noticeable/not affecting daily activities or exercise. Knees also feel out of sorts but I've had that here and there prior to this.

Can anyone share their experience with the foot /heel situation? Should I try a different AI or will this subside?

Much love and support to you all!

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lizs0904 | @lizs0904 | Oct 28 8:20am

I was on Anastrozole last year when the same pain and tightness you described first started. I also think it is contributing to my tennis elbow not healing. My doctor switched me to Letrozole this year, but the symptoms have persisted. I’ve found that staying active and stretching throughout the day helps quite a bit. I also recently added magnesium as part of my bone-health regimen — I read it also might help with muscle, joint, tendon paid, though it’s still too soon to tell.

Hoping you find some relief.

kal25 | @kal25 | Oct 28 1:52pm

I am 70+ and was on Anastrozole. At about 20 months on the meds, my body just “fell apart “. I had side effects from the beginning but got really bad at 20 months: dry eye increased to the point that my eyelid would stick to my cornea, two extra Eye medication’s now; develop lichen sclerosis all over my body; muscle/joint/tendon pain really increased. Develop trigger finger. Achilles tendinitis returned. Needed to see two orthopedist and a course of physical therapy for my ankle tendinitis. My hands and wrist hurt so much. It was even hard to make my bed. And increased bladder problems. My physician took me off of anastrozole and after a six week period on nothing I was transition to exestane. So far I’ve not had as many problems on this medicine. I had dizziness for the first three weeks, but that went away. Many of the side effects actually come from the reduction of estrogen. My body was in such inflammation and pain I did take prescription NSAIDs for a month, which ended up being extremely helpful. I also now take pumpkin seed Supplements that have really helped the bladder problem and bladder spasms. I do not have the muscle/joint/tendon pain on the new medication like I did on anastrozole. Blessings to you and your post cancer journey.

lhwoz | @lhwoz | Oct 28 3:59pm

In reply to @kal25 "I am 70+ and was on Anastrozole. At about 20 months on the meds, my body..." + (show)

@kal25 wow what a journey. So glad to hear some of that has resolved a bit and kudos to you for sticking it out and working thru it, and plugging away on the changes as you tried to balance it all. Appreciate you sharing.