Carpal tunnel and letrozole

I get carpal tunnel because I have RA not because of medication, wrist braces help me too and I also take anti inflammatory medication such as ibuprofen and naproxen (which you need a prescription for). I also take a bath at night which helps. I hope you get some respite as the pain is really something else x

Dear Denny1

I had a lumpectomy last summer and have been on Letrozole since then. I also was on HRT for over 10 years, mainly as it helped with my dodgy joints. I now am in agony with lots of joint pain, even in joints that weren’t a problem before. I have developed Carpal Tunnel in both wrists. A steroid injection helped initially in my non-surgery arm but have to wear a splint on a night for my surgery arm. Health professionals say this is not the medication but I can’t accept that. I’ve also developed restless leg in one leg. Iron tablets have helped with that but the tablets have caused gastric issues.  I am now doing physio to help with joint issues. It feels like I’m in a vicious circle so I have every sympathy with you. It would be good to know if your problems have reduced or have you changed your medication.

I originally replied saying that my wrist pain subsided on stopping Exemestane, but unfortunately it returned and gradually over the last 7 months it worsened. Like you I have RA so difficult to know if AIs were the culprit. I eventually saw a physio at my surgery last week. He thinks it’s a combination of carpal tunnel, RA & tendonitis. I have been wearing a wrist brace at night for a few months & it does help. He told me to use it periodically during the day too, put me on anti inflammatories for 2 weeks & suggested exercises. It seems to be a little easier this week. He seemed to be familiar with the side effects of AIs, said they don’t directly CAUSE CT, rather it’s more the reduction in oestrogen that causes it, hence why CT is prevelant in women, particularly after menopause. 

That’s interesting Jennand. I did wonder if my symptoms were related to the double whammy of stopping the HRT and starting the AI. The problem is, surgery ( which is fairly straightforward) for CTS is risky because of the possibilty of infection after breast surgery. It would be interesting to know if anyone has taken that risk and how they get on.

Hi Wacky, in my mind I’ve ruled out surgery unless it becomes absolutely necessary. Ditto steroid injections. My RA consultant is a little trigger happy with steroids & over the years I’ve suffered side effects immensely ( OMG the sleeplessness ). So that’s something else I’d like to avoid particularly because my dexa scan showed early osteoporosis. So, I’ll persevere with the physio for now but I also would be interested to know how others have coped. Cancer is the guest who doesn’t know when to depart. 

I feel for you. If I’m having a CT flare during nights (I seem to get flares for a time which then subside) I wear my splints during the day, it definitely helps me x

You’re right! It seems like it’s wrapped up with lots of other problems. A bit like getting older  Good luck with the physio.

I had this and it was excruciating. The GP has put me on Amitriptylline which has helped. I’m now able to get some sleep and only wake up with numbness in the hands rather than pain. Not sure how long I need to stay in these meds. 

Hi all

I just saw this thread & was interested as I’m on Ribociclib & Letrozole & have been waking up during last couple of months during night with the side I’m laying numb in the arm & hands. Hands feel odd, like sausages. I went to GP who seemed to think I have Carpal Tunnel &!to wear wrist splints during night. I didn’t realise it could be caused by Letrozole. I did speak to oncologist today who briefly mentioned Letrozole possibly causes these issues. 

Hi, this is interesting.  I wasn't aware of this side effect of letrozole. 

I've been taking it for 3 months. In the past two weeks I've developed pain in my wrist, which shoots into my thumb joint. I already had numbness from peripheral neuropathy. I've yet to mention to a Dr. But I will at my next oncology appointment. 

Thanks all for posting.