Tamoxifen & Joint Pain

I have joint pain in my shoulders and hands. Onc says it's not from Tamoxifen but I never had these pains before I started the med.

Glucosamine works well for me. My orthopedic recommended it

hello all, my name is leonie and im emailing from dublin, ireland, ive been on tamoxifen for 1 month, following the usual surgery, chemo and im in the middle of my radiotherapy. I am in awful pain with my joints, wrists, ankles, legs i can hardly get in and out of the car, i thought i was going mad till i read some of your emails, i am going to phone my onc tomorrow and see what he says and ill keep you posted, i am 38 years of age so tamoxifen was what i was recommended. I hope these aches are normal, i get anxious that the cancer is back all over me, but im trying to think positively,best of luck to you all, leonie

thanks cynthia for your reply, i saw the registrar onc and he said yes that joint pain is common (like bad period pain he suggested!!!) he just said leave another few months and see if it gets better, great, im trying some walking and little bit of yoga to see if this helps. Hope your keeping and doing well, kind regards, leonie

I'm 36 and found a lump in my left breast last May. I had chemo first, then (double) mastectomy and radiation. I finished radiation about a month ago and have been taking tamoxifen for 2 months now. I went back to work last week and have had achy legs at night while laying in bed. Of course, I fear the worst. I saw my oncologist last week and told him about it. He felt my legs and asked if they hurt in certain spots. I would have felt so much better if he would have mentioned that it could be a side effect from tamoxifen. I'm glad to hear others say they are experiencing that as well. 

Isn't tamoxifen suppose prevent osteoporosis? Maybe that has something to do with it. Anyone else heard this?

Hello ladies. New here.

The joint pain I was having in my elbows and shoulders ended up being caused by lymphedema. I had seen an orthopedist several times and finally had to get a shot of cortisone in one shoulder so I could finish PT after my dbl mast. After about a week of daily LE therapy, my joint pain was gone.

M

When I went on arimadex last year I had terrible joint pain, even trigger fingers and thumbs.  Couldn't even open a door til had surgery on thumb.  Now on tamoxifen for several months, was okay until lately have awful joint pain.  Have joints I didn't know I had.  What is the alternative?  What can be done for the joint pain?

When I went on arimadex last year I had terrible joint pain, even trigger fingers and thumbs.  Couldn't even open a door til had surgery on thumb.  Now on tamoxifen for several months, was okay until lately have awful joint pain.  Have joints I didn't know I had.  What is the alternative?  What can be done for the joint pain?

Hello, last March I had a bilateral followed by 4  rounds of chemo. I was on tamoxifen but after a full hysterectomy I was put on the other one that starts with the F. I was in so much pain i couldnt sleep, everything hurt so the Onc put me back on tamoxifen. I am better but still i ache like crazy. Especially in the am or if I have been sitting for more than an hour. I run on the treadmil 4 days a week and it hurts. I am trying not to get fatter than I already am. I just want to know, does the pain go away when you are done taking it????? Please say yes. :0)

whats a PM? LOL

I am new on this site.I began tamoxifen a monthand ahalf ago.I just started getting severe joint pain in my ankles.The doc said it was a minor sprain.I know I didn't injure myself. Three days later my other ankle is doing the same thing.It tightens in the evening and by morning I may not be able to walk. The onc doc said it wasnot related tothe meds,but I am only on Tamoxifen.I did not have chemoor radiation.I had 10cm of cancer plus 3invasive spots by my armpit. They sent my cancer to California and my test score was a10. That is out of 100. 100 being the worst.I did have a doublebiopsy because of the large amont of cancer. All of you women take care-God bless

Oh my!  I have been experiencing hip pain since I started Tamoxifen 1.5 years ago.  I keep mentioning it, but none of my doctors seem concerned, and don't think it's related.  But I find all these posts describing the same problem!  I have heard it from other women too.  And now I read that an article was written indicating studies show YES it does cause joint pain.  It's a relief to know I am not just crazy, or standing wrong, or walking wrong..or getting older.  It has caused me to be more concious of my posture so not to aggravate it, but it's nice to know the cause is really what I thought.  I am going to try glucosamine and hope it helps.  I have also read that turmeric (a spice) is a powerful, natural anti-inflammatory.  I use it regularly and it seems to help.  The October '08 Prevention had an article written by a surgeon, who is also a cancer survivor.  He mentions this, among other things that are really good for us.  Great article if you can get it.

I have been on Tamoxifen since Jan 2010.  I have noticed aches in my feet, (which I never had before), specifically the top and soles of my feet, knees, and hands.  I have carpul tunnel syndrome in my wrists, so I am not sure if the medication is affecting my hands,,, but I find the discussion interesting.  I have a follow-up appt in october with my dr....while I was relieved to see others with the same problem and now I've identified the possible cause, I am so concerned.  I will not stop taking the medication (for the next 5 years), but at the same time, I understand Kayak's feelings.