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Has anyone gotten carpal tunnel syndrome after taking Aromatase Inhibitors and gotten ultrasound therapy for it?

A MyBCTeam Member asked a question 💭
Rochester, NY

Did the ultrasound improve it?

August 31
 · 
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Answer Summary

Members responded to the question about carpal tunnel syndrome and ultrasound therapy after taking Aromatase Inhibitors, with many sharing... Read more

Members responded to the question about carpal tunnel syndrome and ultrasound therapy after taking Aromatase Inhibitors, with many sharing that they developed similar issues like trigger finger, DeQuervain's syndrome, and wrist pain while on Anastrozole. Several members shared helpful strategies including cortisone shots, occupational therapy exercises, compression garments, and hand and wrist massage to manage pain and stiffness. A recurring theme was the emotional weight of these side effects, with members offering encouragement and reminding one another to keep going despite the challenges.

A MyBCTeam Member

I had Carpal tunnel years before Breast Cancer and what help me with the Carpal Tunnel was massaging my wrist and fingers also the palm of each hand, wrists and fingers.

September 2
MyBCTeam

Carpal tunnel syndrome is indeed a known issue for some people taking aromatase inhibitors (AIs). AIs can cause a condition called aromatase inhibitor-induced musculoskeletal symptoms (AIMSS), which includes joint pain, stiffness, and muscle weakness — and this can affect the hands and wrists, sometimes leading to carpal Show Full Answer

Carpal tunnel syndrome is indeed a known issue for some people taking aromatase inhibitors (AIs). AIs can cause a condition called aromatase inhibitor-induced musculoskeletal symptoms (AIMSS), which includes joint pain, stiffness, and muscle weakness — and this can affect the hands and wrists, sometimes leading to carpal tunnel-like symptoms.

While there aren't specific reports from MyBCTeam members about ultrasound therapy for carpal tunnel caused by AIs, members have found relief from joint and nerve pain through a few approaches:

- Acupuncture — Several MyBCTeam members have praised this for pain relief, with one sharing their armpit pain resolved after just three sessions
- Exercise and movement — Staying active, stretching, and yoga have helped many manage AI-related joint pain
- Physical therapy — Members have reported significant improvements in pain and stiffness with the help of a skilled therapist Ultrasound therapy is sometimes used for carpal tunnel syndrome, but its effectiveness can vary from person to person. It's really worth bringing this up with your oncology or care team — they can help figure out whether ultrasound therapy is a good fit for your specific situation and rule out any other causes of your symptoms.

August 31
A MyBCTeam Member

I was diagnosed with carpal tunnel in both wrist years before my BC issues. The pain had subsided significantly after several cortisone shots and it all calmed down. I haven't had any real issues with it until I started to take Anastrozole back in December of 25. Now I have really bad flare ups. My OT has me doing exercises to help with the pain. If its not one thing its another. So far I can manage the pain and discomfort as the neuropathy in the hands are much worse to deal with. Hope all is well with everyone! 🙏🥰

September 1 (edited)
A MyBCTeam Member

My hands especially the fingers have gotten painful. I wake up sometimes at night and have a hard time straightening my fingers.

September 1
A MyBCTeam Member

I had carpal tunnel surgery in both hands 18 years before I was diagnosed with breast cancer. And I have had trigger finger in several fingers for years. Last year I did have trigger finger release surgery in my worse hand. I was 76 when diagnosed with breast cancer, so I don't know how many of my aches and pains are from Anastrazole and how many are from old age. (80 now)
One thing I believe has helped. Because I have so little energy, and I had knee replacement surgery which left me with limits in exercise choices, I have been about 40 pounds overweight. I checked with my oncologist and they said Wegovy is not on my forbidden list of drugs, but he doesn't prescribe them. My PCP started me on it in April and I am losing weight slowly but surely. It seems to be helping.

September 1

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