Aromatase Inhibitors & carpal tunnel and trigger finger: Anyone?

I have a splintvthstbi sleep with. That does help.

When I first started taking anastrozole I had very few side effects. However, now that I am 6 months in I have all the side effects that you mentioned. I have had vertigo in the past, carpal tunnel and trigger finger. I just assumed these were starting back up. I didn't think they could be associated with anastrozole. If doctors can't agree that these episodes are related to AIs then how do we get solutions. Like tge other person said Pray.

My symptoms took a few months to kick in. The trigger finger and carpal tunnel started at about 6 months. The oncologist thought it was possible ,the ortho dr said good chance. She also said carpal tunnel could be caused by radiation. Could have.damaged a nerve since they start.in thr spine and ho all the way out.
Thankfully the CT is mild and the splint at night helps.
Strangely enough my trigger thumb is starting to get better again even after the cortisone shot wore off. I stopped anastrozole and of Mar. 3 weeks no.med then started up on exemestane.( aromasin) hopefully it continues.

Yes! I had trigger thumb. I was fairly luckily. Side effects probably stated a year in yo my taking Anastrozole, but I figured it was old she creeping in or over exercising etc. started w/ hip , just saying gosh my hips sore, then bought orthotics. Then trigger finger occurred. I stopped med after about 2 1/2 years. Took 6 months for my hip to get better. Thumb was fixed within a month of using Oval 8 splint.

Happened upon this “connect group” while researching Anastrozole, the drug that I have taken daily since completion of my radiation therapy. Until I read these comments I had zero idea why my hands, fingers, and wrists began hurting on and off on a regular basis. My initial thought was that I may have onset of arthritis that is sometimes common with aging or onset of carpel tunnel from years of computer mouse & keyboard use. The pain comes and goes in varying degrees. Sometimes it is so severe, I can’t even pick up a sewing needle with my thumb and index finger. I purchased a good quality thumb/wrist splint and used it for awhile on my right hand. Though it became cumbersome for constant use. I now use kinesiology tape (KT tape) occasionally for the support of my right thumb when working. While it is not a cure, it helps tremendously and is just the right amount of support for me. I don’t keep it in place longer than eight hours at a time. The adhesive can cause skin irritation if left in place for too many hours. I don’t use it daily. Though for the days that I need to reduce the pain, particularly in my right thumb, it helps tremendously. I cut the KT to a width and length that works best for me, and after some experimenting with the placement, I now know how and where to apply it for the best benefit and pain relief. You may want to consider speaking with a PT professional who knows more about using this type of tape, and learning the proper does and don’ts with its use. For me, its quick, easy, and helpful. I still plan to make an appointment with a board certified orthopaedic specialist to further check out my fingers, hands, and wrists, to eliminate other potential causes for the pain.

@jlynne89 thank you for your reply. That is helpful information & much appreciated. I’m glad you found the best way to used KT tape. I’ve used for my back. It works well. Best of luck. Come back and let us know how you are doing. Blessings

At first I chose to believe that the medical profession was trying to help us focus on the war rather than the side effect battles. Fair enough!
As an understanding soldier you get this and focus on the goal line. But!

Time and side effects mentally begs for a dialogue with the prescribers that folds in the need to persevere with the understanding of how these battles keeps its purpose with some sort of quality of life.

I am definitely grateful for the crumbs of understanding that only people who have never walked our walk can offer.
Hence here we are together trying to share and hopefully help with our individual efforts to figure out this pursuit that I refer to as an intricate Sophie’s Choice.

This is hard. I am always looking for evidence that can blend with faith. I value this space that allows my questions to have a voice. We can always hope someone is listening with a better choice of weapon for these battles we fight ❤️ 🤷🏼‍♀️🙏

I had DeQuervain syndrome in both wrists. Like carpal tunnel except wrists. Surgery in both and that took care of it. Asked surgeon if he thought it was connected to taking aromatase inhibitors. His response “wouldn’t surprise me. That changes all the fluids in your body “.

I was a little over a year into Anastrozole when several side effects kicked in. Noticed slight hints of what I thought mIght be carpel syndrome. Then woke up one night with hands/fingers frozen like a claw in pain. Just kept walking around and it subsided a little but not enough. I researched and found it was nerves being blocked and recommended laying on your back with your arms at your side. It worked for me and now if i get that feeling I go to that solution. I have stopped taking Anastrozole for 3 months at my oncologist suggestion. Not sure what thoughts will be offered at that time. I hope you get control of this side effect you are dealing with ❤️

Wow! I started letrozole in 2018 then stopped when I got a recurrence in 2021...but I have had DeQuervain's syndrome in both wrists in past 2 years treated successfully with (cortisone?) injections with one recurrence, had no idea could be connected....went to a different
doctor when he insisted on surgery the second time.