Sore and seemingly stiff feet!

Hi Galligirl

i seem to have lost mivement and flexibility in one foot.  Not sore particularly just doesnt move like the other one.  Cant flex it forward very far, cant crunch up toes, and only very small ankle circles.  And so I find I am a bit unsteady in my feet at times.  Doesn't seem tk change during the day.  Not painful but have noticed all muscles in the leg feel tight.  I am kn Letrozole (10 weeks in out of 10 years - 2% done!).

I am blaming docetaxol, peripheral neuropathy, or Letrozole.   Not seen anyone anout it yet - waiting till all active treatment finished.

It is weird isnt it?

Galligirl and , I have been on Letrozole for 9 years, and have pain and stiffness in the feet just the same as you. It is in the ligaments and tendons mainly, I have always worn insoles, but the problem worsened after starting the Letrozole. My podiatrist says my right foot is incredibly stiff, though the MRI scan showed only very mild arthritis. It has to be the Letrozole. I manage with new insoles, and am staying on the tabs till the 10 year target. I was offered to stay on longer,, hmmmmm will think about that! Keep soldiering on ladies! Xxx

Thank you ladies...I’ll mention it t my doctor next time I’m in....sorry so guys are also hobbling....

Hi Galligirl,

Another hobbler here! I have been wondering for a few days if my tired, aching feet are down to the medication, I'm on Femara, I feel like I've walked miles they feel so tired and achy and the discomfort is up to the ankles. So, I now know I'm not alone!

Hi everyone

Stiff feet (especially in flexing) is a low oestrogen issue. So it's tamoxifen/letrozole/zoladex that's to blame. Lack of oestrogen seems to make the tendons less stretchy, so it affects the Achilles. Actually one of the earlier signs of peri-menopause. Hand/finger joints are similarly affected. I think because these are the ones that work the hardest.

Spend a few minutes stretching and moving the joints as far as possible before getting out of bed (or before getting up if you've been sitting for a while). It does help.

xx

Hi Galligirl

I agree with Toxopholite that it must be an oestrogen thing as I'm on tamoxifen not letrozole and get this too.  Quite stiff joints all over, especially if I have been in one position for a while, which is why it is worse when I first get up in the mornings.  I've done a 15-min stretching routine every morning first thing since my treatment finished.  It really helps to get the body loosened up and going.  Fair sets me up for the day and I'd miss it now if I didn't do it.  I'd totally recommend it.  I just kind of made it up myself but if you google 'gym warm-up stretches' or similar it will give you an idea for all the major muscle groups. 

Best wishes,

Linda xx

Yes! 

I agree, it’s a Letrozole thing; (or anything which reduces oestrogen) I’ve been on it a year now and my feet, mostly the tarsal and metatarsal area, plus wrists, so carpal and metacarpals, all need a few minutes of gentle mobilisation to get going each day. Lordy! What am I going to be like when I really AM old?!?!? (I’m 73!) 

hugs xxx

Its just one foot/ankle with me.  Doesn't hurt - but just doesn't move!  I can sit and try and do foot flexing, ankle circles and toe curls for ages but very little happens.  Just doesn't move!  The right foot is fine, left foot - nope won't go!   Will have a chat with medics next time I see someone who is interested in anything other than non healing wounds.  No appointments pending.

Hi AnnJac, 

If it’s just the one foot it could be something completely different (non bc connected) so yes, maybe a good idea to see GP/practice physio if you have one? 

Hugs xxx

Oh joy. I am due to start Letrozole in the next month. Can’t wait :].   Is this a common side effect of Letrozole? I Have had 5 sessions of chemo so far and the side effects have been minimal apart from this last month where I have been having dizzy spells and vision disturbance so have been extremely lucky not to have suffered more side effects.  I have osteoarthritis in my joints  as it is.  Ah well I am still alive which is a bonus and I will put up with anything to stay that way

RoseKen x