Feet - pins and needles

Options

I have been on Anastrozole for about 2 years. have been experiencing joint pain and stiffness, but now I am also getting pins and needles in my feet. I am wondering if this is the Anastrozole or something else. Has anyone else had this symptom

Comments

  • CBK
    CBK Member Posts: 611
    edited December 2021

    CBS13

    Yes pins and needles and foot pain. Pain is in the rear sole of the foot. I just told my oncologist about it and she said it is a side effect from Anastrozole.

    If I sit fo long periods of time it can go really numb sometimes. It gets better with movement.

    Argh!





  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited December 2021

    Hello, CBS, and welcome to Breastcancer.org! We're sorry that you have to be here and with side effects... but so glad that you reached out to join us.

    You may want to check out the following "Research News" articles from our main site:

    Exercise Helps Ease Aromatase Inhibitor Side Effects

    Hormonal Therapy Side Effects Linked to Lower Risk of Recurrence

    Also, here you'll learn more on the different side effects of Arimidex.

    We hope this helps! Please let us know if there's anything else you need from us. We're here for you!

    The Mods



  • ThreeTree
    ThreeTree Member Posts: 709
    edited December 2021

    CBS13 - I have pins and needles in my hands and feet and I believe they are permanent damage from Taxol (paclitaxel). However, I also take Letrozole and I think the AI either adds to or aggravates the pins and needles I get from the permanent neuropathy. Pins and needles can also be a sign of low estrogen, generally, but also can come from such things as dehydration and electrolyte imbalances (I've experienced a lot of that too, and have been to the ER several times for this problem), and in some cases it can come from spinal issues. I've been gradually learning to tell the difference from when it is "just" from the Taxol and AI, as opposed to dehydration and electrolyte problems. Pins and needles in hands and feet only seem to be more related to neuropathy and low estrogen, but pins and needles that you can feel in all your limbs and even your face sometimes, seem to be more related to either low estrogen or dehydration/electrolyte problems. The more extensive and pronounced they get, start thinking electrolytes; especially if you have other symptoms like weakness and heart palpitations.

  • LillyIsHere
    LillyIsHere Member Posts: 830
    edited December 2021

    CBS13, I am glad you wrote this post since I have the same on my feet only. I am on letrozole and didn't have chemo. While joint pains and stiffness are much better with daily yoga, walks and some light weightlifting, the pins and needles in my feet started in April right after my first dose of vaccine, got worst on the second dose and I haven't been back to normal yet. Tomorrow, I am scheduled for Electromyogram test. Keep us posted if you find a solution.

  • Carlsoda
    Carlsoda Member Posts: 249
    edited December 2021

    I have pins and needles in my hands only and started after a month on Letrozole. My chiropractor says it’s carpal tunnel but I suspect it’s just a side effect. I have my 3 month check up early January so I will bring it up then. Sore joints etc I have been able to manage with some Advil!

  • ThreeTree
    ThreeTree Member Posts: 709
    edited December 2021

    CBS13 - I want to second what LIllyIsHere said. I think the vaccine caused an uptick in side effects, and I too have never quite felt the same. PIns and needles are part of that. I got the vaccine last March and April,, booster in late October. Things settled down from the initial reaction all three times, but have never been the same.

  • CBS13
    CBS13 Member Posts: 5
    edited December 2021

    Thank you all for sharing your experiences. Very helpful. I wish you the very best.

  • CBS13
    CBS13 Member Posts: 5
    edited December 2021

    Will do and good luck.

  • CBS13
    CBS13 Member Posts: 5
    edited December 2021

    That’swild. I had not heard that about the vaccine.

  • CBS13
    CBS13 Member Posts: 5
    edited December 2021

Categories