Why do my hands hurt after chemo?
Neuropathy is a common side effect of chemotherapy. Doctors believe it happens because chemotherapy damages healthy cells, including nerves. Chemotherapy can damage nerves that affect feeling and movement in the hands and feet. Doctors call this condition chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN).
Is joint pain common after chemotherapy?
Chemotherapy: Pain is a common side effect of chemotherapy, and joint pain is no exception. Although it can occur anytime during treatment, it often appears afterward and is usually resolved in weeks to months.
Can chemo cause arthritis in hands?
In most studies, arthralgia, or arthritis developed in a short period after finishing chemotherapy. We suggest that chemotherapy can induce joint symptoms and this should be kept in mind for cancer patients developing joint related features.
What causes joint pain after chemotherapy?
What Causes Arthralgias? Arthralgias may be due to side effects of certain cancer chemo treatments and medications such as paclitaxel, bleomycin, cladribine, L-asparaginase as well as biologic response modifiers (e.g. filgrastim, pegfilgrastim, sargramostim).
What helps neuropathy in hands from chemo?
In the meantime, symptoms can be treated with:
- steroids to reduce inflammation.
- topical numbing medicines.
- antiseizure medications, which can help relieve nerve pain.
- prescription-strength pain relievers such as narcotics (opioids)
- antidepressants.
- electrical nerve stimulation.
- occupational and physical therapy.
How does chemo affect your joints?
A. It is not uncommon for people who have undergone chemotherapy and other cancer treatments to experience long-term side effects. For example, certain breast cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and hormonal treatments may contribute to bone loss, which could cause knee pain (view our bone health resources).
What helps with bone pain from chemo?
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) agents and Tylenol®. If you are ordered a medication to treat this disorder – such as naproxen sodium and ibuprofen, may provide relief of musculoskeletal pain.
Does chemo cause joint and muscle pain?
Myalgias are often a result of: Medications – certain chemotherapy medications can cause myalgias and joint pain (arthralgias), which usually resolve when the medication is removed. These may include biologic therapies (such as interferon or aldesleukin), or growth factors (such as filgrastim).
Will neuropathy from chemo go away?
Chemo-induced neuropathy symptoms are usually the worst 3-5 months after the last chemotherapy dose. After that, symptoms may disappear completely, lessen, or affect less of the body; if symptoms disappear or diminish, that occurs gradually, usually over several months.
Does drinking water help neuropathy?
Drink lots of water Water should be a staple in any diet, and even more so for those looking to reduce nerve pain. It’s critical to stay hydrated throughout the day to reduce inflammation and avoid triggering pain receptors.
Does hand-foot syndrome go away after chemo?
Severe cases can cause the skin to crack, peel, or have blisters. Symptoms can sometimes occur in other areas, such as the knees or elbows, but this is less common. Hand-foot syndrome can make it hard to use your hands and feet to do daily activities. Symptoms usually go away after chemotherapy treatment is finished.
What are the side effects of Chemo on hands?
Chemotherapy: Lingering Side Effects on the Hands. Extremely dry skin can cause itching, irritation, flakiness, and possible open wounds. “One of the more annoying side effects of chemo they didn’t talk about,” says survivor kendrak, “was how dry my hands were-to the point of cracking.” First, wear gloves-often!
Is joint pain a side effect of chemotherapy?
Chemotherapy: Pain is a common side effect of chemotherapy, and joint pain is no exception. Although it can occur anytime during treatment, it often appears afterward and is usually resolved in weeks to months.
What cancer treatments can cause joint pain?
Cancer treatments that may cause joint pain include: Some types of chemotherapy, such as bleomycin (available as a generic drug), cladribine (available as a generic drug), L-asparaginase (Elspar), and paclitaxel (Taxol) and other taxane-based chemotherapies
Can chemotherapy cause nerve pain?
Chemotherapy or radiation induced pain – is most often a form of nerve pain. It can cause peripheral neuropathy (painful numbness of the extremities), or paresthesia (numbness and tingling of hands, feet or any extremity of the body).