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How many have taken Letrozole and gotten carpal tunnel syndrome? Can Letrozole cause neuropathy or plantar fasciitis without chemotherapy?

A MyBCTeam Member asked a question 💭
Rochester, NY
August 31
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Answer Summary

Members responded to the question about Letrozole causing carpal tunnel, neuropathy, and plantar fasciitis by widely confirming these are... Read more

Members responded to the question about Letrozole causing carpal tunnel, neuropathy, and plantar fasciitis by widely confirming these are recognized side effects of aromatase inhibitors, with many sharing that symptoms appeared after months or years of use. Several members offered practical strategies including hand stretches, night splints, WalkFit shoe inserts, gabapentin, alpha lipoic acid, B12 vitamins, and gluten-free diets to manage joint and nerve pain. A recurring theme was learning to listen to your body, exploring remedies with your care team, and finding comfort in knowing others are navigating the same challenges.

A MyBCTeam Member

@A MyBCTeam Member
Please do a general research on and ketamine infusions to see if 1) ketamine is safe.
2) What is it supposed to accomplish?
3) Had it helped anyone?

Somehow if you decide on the infusion, insist that they test a very small amount on you to make sure that you are not ally to it.

What is the purpose of the ketamine infusions and have there been any studies on this?

August 31 (edited)
A MyBCTeam Member

@A MyBCTeam Member

Do a search for neuropathy remedies.
Try
Capsicum cream, Vicks vapo rub,
Check out Alpha lipoic acid or R lipoic acid and B vitamins including B12.

If anyone has come across any other remedies, please mention.

Also, do not eat anything with sugar after your supper meal, even fruit, as it keys in worse neuropathy at night…

August 31
A MyBCTeam Member

I was on letrozole for four years before I had any issues: pain in my feet that worsened with walking. Oncologist switched me to exemestane which I’ve now been on for four years. I’m doing well but to be fair, I’ve gone gluten free and so I attribute the reduction of joint pain to that

August 31
MyBCTeam

These are great questions, and you're definitely not alone in wondering about them! Joint and nerve-related issues are a real concern for people taking Letrozole.

Letrozole is known to cause joint pain in roughly 1 in 3 women, and for some it can be quite significant. While carpal tunnel syndrome, neuropathy, and plantar Show Full Answer

These are great questions, and you're definitely not alone in wondering about them! Joint and nerve-related issues are a real concern for people taking Letrozole.

Letrozole is known to cause joint pain in roughly 1 in 3 women, and for some it can be quite significant. While carpal tunnel syndrome, neuropathy, and plantar fasciitis aren't always listed as the most common side effects, many MyBCTeam members do report these types of musculoskeletal and nerve-related complaints while on Letrozole — even without having had chemotherapy.

Here's what's known about Letrozole and these symptoms:

- Joint pain is one of the most reported side effects, affecting up to 1 in 3 people
- Bone density loss can also contribute to pain and discomfort in the hands, feet, and joints
- Nerve-related symptoms like neuropathy and conditions such as carpal tunnel or plantar fasciitis have been reported by people on aromatase inhibitors like Letrozole

The drop in estrogen caused by Letrozole is believed to play a role in these musculoskeletal issues, as estrogen helps protect joints and nerves.

It's really important to bring these symptoms up with your healthcare team. They may be able to adjust your treatment, suggest physical therapy, or explore other options to help manage the discomfort.

August 31
A MyBCTeam Member

I developed carpal tunnel syndrome after a couple of months on letrozole. Now on it for 4 years. My oncologist told me it’s a recognised side effect of aromatase inhibitors. I’ve been offered surgery but am hoping the carpal tunnel syndrome will improve when I finally stop hormone therapy. I wear a splint at night to keep my hand in a neutral position.

I also have widespread pain in most joints, osteoarthritis which developed recently, and peripheral neuropathy from chemo. Physiotherapy is helping me find exercises I can do safely without making the pain worse.

September 3

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Rochester, NY
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