Chemotherapy can result in various physical side effects, including cramps and pain in the muscles (myalgia), joints (arthralgia) and bones (ostealgia). Pain may be mild and intermittent, or persistent and severe.
Full Answer
What is bone pain and how is it related to chemotherapy?
What Is Bone Pain and How Is It Related to Chemotherapy? Bone pain is the experience of discomfort in bones. Bone pain can occur as a side effect of some of the biologic response modifiers (e.g. filgrastim, pegfilgrastim, sargramostim).
What happens if you have chemo?
If chemo kills the immature stem cells in your testicles that become new sperm, you may become infertile, which means you can't have children. If you're a woman, chemotherapy can damage your eggs and harm your ovaries.
Can chemotherapy cause osteoporosis?
Most people lose some bone mass as they age, but with chemo, some drugs increase this loss by causing calcium levels to drop. Cancer-related osteoporosis tends to affect women more than men, especially post-menopausal women and those whose menopause was brought on suddenly due to chemotherapy.
What are the side effects of chemotherapy on teeth?
Tooth enamel and root damage is also a side effect and not widely known. Some patients have had teeth loosen, tooth loss, and holes in their teeth along with receding gum lines. Chemo can damage the the entire mouth from the teeth to their roots and gums to mouth sores.
Can chemo cause long term bone pain?
Bone conditions Along with causing dietary problems, chemotherapy may also make it possible for a person to have bone issues that result from vitamin D deficiency. Other therapies may also affect the bones and bone density, such as hormonal therapies.
How Long Does joint pain last after chemo?
The pain usually starts 2-3 days after receiving chemotherapy and can last up to 7 days in total. Pain can have a potentially huge impact on a person's ability to live their day-to-day life.
What happens to your bones after chemotherapy?
Exposure to chemotherapy and radiation leads to bone loss and increases the risk of osteoporosis and fractures. A new study in mice suggests that a biological process known as cellular senescence, which can be induced by cancer treatments, may play a role in bone loss associated with chemotherapy and radiation.
What causes joint pain after chemotherapy?
What Causes Arthralgias? Arthralgias may be due to side effects of certain cancer chemo treatments and medications such as paclitaxel, bleomycin, cladribine, L-asparaginase as well as biologic response modifiers (e.g. filgrastim, pegfilgrastim, sargramostim).
Why do my bones ache?
While bone pain is most likely due to decreased bone density or an injury to your bone, it can also be a sign of a serious underlying medical condition. Bone pain or tenderness could be the result of infection, an interruption in the blood supply, or cancer. These conditions require immediate medical attention.
How do I get rid of bone pain?
You may get temporary relief from bone pain by using over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen, aspirin, or ibuprofen. Osteomyelitis typically requires treatment with either oral or intravenous antibiotics. Treatment for cancer-related pain can be very complex.
What helps bone pain from chemo?
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) agents and Tylenol®. If you are ordered a medication to treat this disorder - such as naproxen sodium and ibuprofen, may provide relief of musculoskeletal pain.
What does bone pain feel like?
Bone pain is extreme tenderness, aching, or other discomfort in one or more bones. It differs from muscle and joint pain because it's present whether you're moving or not. The pain is commonly linked to diseases that affect the normal function or structure of the bone.
How long after chemo does your body get back to normal?
The rule of thumb I usually tell my patients is that it takes about two months of recovery time for every one month of treatment before energy will return to a baseline. Everyone is different but at least this gives you a ballpark.
Can you get arthritis after chemo?
In most studies, arthralgia, or arthritis developed in a short period after finishing chemotherapy. We suggest that chemotherapy can induce joint symptoms and this should be kept in mind for cancer patients developing joint related features.
Can chemo damage joints?
Cancer survivors are also at risk for long term effects related to chemotherapy, steroid medications, or hormonal therapy, particularly those who are not physically active. Some may even develop thinning of the bones (osteoporosis) or joint pain.
Why do my legs hurt so much after chemo?
Nerve and muscle effects Some chemotherapy drugs can damage the nerves that send signals between the central nervous system and the arms and legs. This is called peripheral neuropathy. Symptoms include tingling (“pins and needles”), numbness or pain in your hands and feet, and muscle weakness in your legs.
What body systems are most affected by chemotherapy?
Chemotherapy drugs can affect any body system, but the following are most susceptible: digestive tract . hair follicles. bone marrow. mouth. reproductive system. It’s worth understanding how these cancer drugs can affect your major body systems.
How long does it take for hair to grow after chemo?
Hair loss can occur anywhere on the body, from eyebrows and eyelashes to your legs. Hair loss is temporary. New hair growth usually begins several weeks after the final treatment.
Why is blood count important for chemo?
Routine blood count monitoring is a crucial part of chemotherapy. That’s because the drugs can harm cells in the bone marrow, where red blood cells are produced. Without enough red blood cells to carry oxygen to tissues, you may experience anemia.
Why do you need platelets for chemo?
They help prevent illnesses and fight infections. Symptoms aren’t always obvious, but you might find yourself getting sick more often than you used to. Be sure to take precautions to avoid exposure to viruses, bacteria, and other germs if you’re taking chemo. Cells called platelets help blood clot.
How to tell if kidneys are damaged?
Symptoms of kidney damage include: 1 decreased urination 2 swelling of the hands 3 swollen feet and ankles 4 headache
Does chemotherapy cause hot flashes?
Sexual and reproductive system. Chemotherapy drugs are known to alter hormones in both men and women. In women, hormonal changes can bring on hot flashes, irregular periods, or sudden onset of menopause. You may experience dryness of vaginal tissues that can make intercourse uncomfortable or painful.
Does chemo cause bone loss?
Most people lose some bone mass as they age, but with chemo, some drugs increase this loss by causing calcium levels to drop. Cancer-related osteoporosis tends to affect women more than men, especially post-menopausal women and those whose menopause was brought on suddenly due to chemotherapy.
What are the complications of bone pain?
Complications Of Bone Pain Include: Spinal cord compression -. Each vertebrae is joined by ligaments, which make up the vertebral column. Damage to one or more of these bones may damage the spinal cord, and cause serious nerve injury as a result. This is called a spinal cord compression.
What is bone pain?
Bone pain is the experience of discomfort in bones. Bone pain can occur as a side effect of some of the biologic response modifiers (e.g. filgrastim, pegfilgrastim, sargramostim). Bone pain is most likely a result of your disease, as it is often caused by damage to the nerves, soft tissues, or bones themselves.
How long does pain last in the back?
Your pain may be mild, or severe. The pain may last a few minutes, as it "comes and goes" or it may be constant. You may be able to point out the location of your pain, on your rib, hip, leg, or back. You may have fever, chills, if you have an infection. You may have pain in your muscles, as well as your joints.
What is the best medicine for bone pain?
Some of the common drugs that are used to treat bone pain may include: Antibiotics - If your doctor or healthcare provider suspects that you have an infection (such as osteomyelitis) that may have caused your bone pain, he or she may order antibiotics, either in a pill form or intravenous (IV).
What tests are needed for pain?
This may include x-rays, CAT Scans, bone survey or scan, or an MRI. Your healthcare provider will order the exams that are right for you.
How to prevent pneumonia?
People with pain, who may not be taking deep breaths, need to circulate air from the bottom of their lungs and out of your lungs ( oxygenation), to prevent infection and pneumonia. Using an incentive spirometer for 15 minutes a day, twice a day, can help promote oxygenation.
Why do you need steroids for cancer?
Steroids will decrease the swelling in areas where tumors are located, which may decrease the pressure of the tumor on your nerve endings, and decrease your pain.
How to lose weight after chemo?
Work with a dietitian or nutritionist and add strength training exercises to your workout routine to help you shed some pounds. Energy. You probably remember the fatigue that hit you while you were getting chemo. But some people still feel extremely tired after treatment ends.
How long does chemo rash last?
Some side effects of chemotherapy only happen while you're having treatment and disappear quickly after it's over. But others can linger for months or years or may never completely go away. Watch out for signs of chemo's long-term changes, and let your doctor know how you feel.
Does chemo cause heart problems?
Heart. Certain chemo drugs can damage cells in your heart. Chemotherapy may also increase your odds of having heart problems, such as: Weakening of the heart muscle ( cardiomyopathy) Problems with your heart rhythm ( arrhythmia) Heart attack.
Does hair go back to normal after chemo?
But it's possible that at first it may not look like it used to. Its texture, shape, and color may be different. Over time, as the effects of the chemo on your hair follicles wear off, your hair will probably go back to the way it was before treatment. In rare cases, such as after years of strong chemotherapy, your hair follicles could shut down.
Does chemo make you gain weight?
Weight. Some types of chemo can make you put on extra pounds. You may find that the weight stays on even when your treatment ends. For instance, some drugs that treat breast cancer can cause you to lose muscle and gain fat, which makes it much more difficult to get the weight off.
Can you have children after chemo?
If chemo kills the immature stem cells in your testicles that become new sperm, you may become infertile, which means you can't have children . If you're a woman, chemotherapy can damage your eggs and harm your ovaries. You may stop having regular menstrual cycles after treatment.
Can chemotherapy make you tired?
But some people still feel extremely tired after treatment ends. You may find that even when you get enough rest, you still feel sluggish. Talk to your doctor for suggestions on how to raise your energy level. Chemotherapy can affect your ability to have children, whether you're a man or woman.
How does chemo affect your life?
First and foremost, you may be noticing some physical changes in your life after chemo. Chemotherapy works by destroying cancer cells that grow and divide quickly – unfortunately, this sometimes results in fast-growing, healthy cells also being affected.
What is the life after chemo?
Life After Chemo. Life after chemo may be filled with challenges along the way – you may find yourself having to adjust to a new normal. Whatever the case may be, it’s important to try and maintain a sense of positivity. Your biggest battle has been fought and won – now you get to look forward to life after treatment.
How to know if you have neuropathy after chemo?
Up to 70 percent of cancer survivors may experience some form of peripheral neuropathy after chemotherapy is finished. We’ve written extensively about this topic on another blog post because many people desire to know how to reverse neuropathy from chemo. Typically developing in the feet, hands, and legs, neuropathy is a common condition that comes with some very identifiable symptoms, including: 1 Numbness 2 Shooting or stabbing pain 3 Burning 4 Tingling 5 Muscle weakness 6 Inability to keep your balance 7 Sensitivity to cold or heat
How many cancer survivors will be there in 2026?
As cancer treatments are further refined and innovated throughout the course of time, more and more people find themselves cancer-free. As of 2016, there were an estimated 15.5 million cancer survivors in the United States – this number is expected to grow to 20.3 million by 2026. Of course, many survivors may be asking themselves ...
How long does skin change after chemo?
Your skin changes may last for a few months, but could last longer depending on your treatment. Fortunately, many can be easily detected and, eventually, mitigated.
How long does it take for cancer to return to normal?
In most cases though, your energy levels should return to normal within six months of completing treatment .
Does CamWell help with numbness?
Heals skin damage linked to numbness and tingling. In addition to utilizing a CamWell product, here are some other helpful strategies and precautions you can take when it comes to managing your pain: Speak with your doctor or care team about your pain. Do not assume all pain after treatment is “normal”.
What are the side effects of cancer treatment?
Childhood cancer survivors experience some of these late side effects: Heart problems, including an increased risk of heart attacks. Blood vessel problems, including an increased risk of stroke.
What happens if you have cancer years ago?
Increased risk of other types of cancers. Nerve damage. If you were treated for cancer many years ago, you may assume any health problems you have are related to aging, not past cancer treatments. Tell your doctor what you know about your childhood cancer treatments.
What to do if you have cancer and no longer seeing a doctor?
If you were treated for cancer many years ago or are no longer seeing a cancer specialist for checkups, talk to your primary care doctor about late effects . If you think you might be experiencing late effects or your doctor isn't sure what late effects to watch for, ask for a referral to a cancer specialist.
Can cancer affect children?
If you underwent cancer treatment as a child, you may be at risk of many of the same late side effects of treatment as people who were adults during their cancer treatments. But you may also be at risk of additional late side effects. That's because children's bones, tissues and organs are growing rapidly during treatment, ...
Can chemotherapy cause infertility?
Different chemotherapy drugs cause different late effects. So if you didn't take the chemotherapy drugs that can cause infertility, then you aren't believed to be at risk of that particular late effect. Late effects of radiation and surgery will affect only the area of the body exposed to them.
Can radiation affect your body?
Late effects of radiation and surgery will affect only the area of the body exposed to them. So, for example, if you had radiation to a part of your body other than your head or neck, then you won't be at risk of cavities and tooth decay as a result of your radiation therapy.
Is cancer treatment over?
Learn about late and long-term effects of cancer treatment so that you can take more control of your health as a cancer survivor. Your cancer treatment is over, but the treatments that may have saved your life may also continue to cause side effects. As more people are living longer after cancer treatment, more is becoming known about late side ...
Why do I have bone pain after cancer treatment?
Bone pain comes from low or loss of bone density (calcium and vit D), nerve damage, and white cell boosters. Bone pain can also be from original cancer metastasis or a secondary cancer from the treatment. Some patients even end up with osteoporosis as a result of the bone damage.
What are the side effects of chemo?
2. Nausea and vomiting. This is the second most common side effect and, for many, the most uncomfortable. Today's treatments include the latest anti-nausea/pre-chemo meds with added anti-anxiety meds for extra comfort. These anti-anxiety meds really did make a difference for me.
Can neutropenic gums cause mouth sores?
Treatments can damage the the entire mouth from the teeth to their roots and gums to mouth sores. Mouth sores are not only painful, but can also cause infection, which is serious when the patient is neutropenic. Even with extra proper oral care can these issues arise and be an ongoing problem.
Can you take pre-chemo meds every week?
Yes, this is true. Patients that are getting weekly or even bi-monthly treatments are given pre-chemo meds more often than others with different time treatments. Some patients that need anxiety meds to help their sickness at bay within their journey are possible to have some dependency as well. This becomes a vicious cycle even without the patient knowing!#N#Tip:
Does chemotherapy cause hair loss?
The most commonly known ones are hair loss and nausea with vomiting. But are these all of the side effects of chemotherapy? Not at all! Anyone that has personally gone through it, along with the caregivers, know first-hand the nastiness and depth of chemo side effects.
Can hair grow back after chemo?
Yes! Hair follicles are sensitive to any touch, even the pillowcase, causing pain until the root has reached past a certain length. Keep in mind that hair can also grow back a different color, texture and type such as curly or straight, opposite of what you naturally had, all from the chemo.
Is it bad to not shave when you are neutropenic?
This makes nice for not having to shave, especially when you're neutropenic! This is one of the hardest side effects for many women. Tips: Scare Prevention: It's important, particularly those around young children, to take scare preventive measures as it's hard for them to grasp the reality.
Heat therapy
By applying a heat source to an area of pain, you are superficially increasing localised body temperature, dilating blood vessels and increasing blood flow to the area, to relax muscles. It can also stimulate thermoreceptors in the skin, overriding pain signals travelling to the brain with non-painful stimuli (known as ‘pain-gate theory’).
Cold therapy
When a source of cold is applied to an area of the body, it constricts the blood vessels in the local area and reduces blood flow to the area. For this reason, the area will go numb and reduce your pain while the cold is applied.
Massage
Receiving massage from a trained professional during your chemotherapy, may help manage symptoms of aching, pain, anxiety and restlessness. Light touch massage styles are recommended over deep muscle massages during cancer treatment.
Gentle stretching programme
Muscles that are in pain tend to become tense. Over time this can lead to shortened, stiff muscles with a reduced range of movement. For this reason, it is important to incorporate gentle stretches into your daily routine, to maintain your movements and prevent further pain.
Regular activity
Your body was designed to move – though this may be easier said than done during chemotherapy treatment. Committing to a gentle exercise routine is hugely beneficial, for a vast number of chemotherapy-induced side-effects, including aching legs.
Medications
Your doctor will be able to give advice on pain relief, such as paracetamol, to help you cope with leg pain during your chemotherapy. Recent preliminary evidence (Smith et al, 2020) also suggests that the antihistamine loratadine may help reduce the severity of aching legs.
Relaxation techniques
While relaxation techniques may not directly address the cause of muscle aching, feeling confident using relaxation techniques to manage your pain can have a huge psycho-physiological benefit. Speaking to a psychologist or hypnotherapist with experience in cancer may help you to perfect these techniques for you to use regularly.