Joint Pain After Cancer Treatment: Understanding and Managing

Cancer is a disease that can affect many facets of a person’s life, from physical effects to emotional challenges. Among the side effects of cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy and hormone therapy, joint pain or “arthralgia” is frequently reported.

Origins of Post-Chemotherapy Arthralgia
According to recent studies, arthralgia can be caused by medications used to treat cancer, including chemotherapy. Lung cancer patients, for example, have reported cases of arthralgia and arthritis following chemotherapy. This is not only limited to lung cancer patients. Women who have battled breast cancer have also reported muscle and joint pain.

The causes of this pain can vary: presence of bone metastases, secretion of inflammatory mediators by a tumor, or pressure exerted by a tumor on neighboring organs. These pains can be transient or chronic, and their intensity can vary from mild to severe. For some patients, the pain can even disrupt basic daily activities.

Managing Pain
Fortunately, there are ways to manage and relieve joint pain:

  1. Appropriate physical activity: Getting moving can help reduce pain. Stretching and gentle exercises, such as yoga, can improve flexibility and reduce stiffness. Moreover, staying active can also help maintain a healthy weight, which can reduce pressure on the joints.
  2. Omega-3 fatty acids: These fatty acids have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Incorporating foods rich in omega-3 into one’s diet, such as fatty fish (salmon, tuna, sardines), nuts, and various seeds, can help relieve joint pain.
  3. Managing stress: Pain can be exacerbated by stress. Finding ways to manage one’s stress, whether through meditation, relaxation, or other techniques, can also help reduce the perception of pain.

Conclusion
Joint pain can be a confusing and disturbing side effect of cancer treatments, but it is not insurmountable. By understanding its origin and adopting appropriate management strategies, it is possible to mitigate its effects and improve quality of life.

References:

Related posts

UEA research shows high protein foods boost cardiovascular health
The really surprising thing that was found is that amino acid intake has as much of an effect on blood pressure as established lifestyle risk factors such as salt intake, physical activity and alcohol consumption. For arterial stiffness, the association was similar to the magnitude of change previously associated with not smoking. Beneficial daily amounts […]
Diabetes Self-Management: you are the one in the driver’s seat
Having diabetes doesn’t mean the game is over. Here’s how to score a touchdown against the disease. Read the full article at: health.usnews.com DietSensor will provide you with the easiest solution to count the carbs in your meals before eating! Beyond carb counting DietSensor is about food choices for healthy diet: you scan your food […]
Cholesterol-lowering ‘portfolio diet’ also reduces blood pressure, study finds
TORONTO, Nov.7, 2015 – A diet developed for reducing cholesterol also lowers blood pressure, a St. Michael’s Hospital study has found. The research, published today in Nutrition, Metabolism and Cardiovascular Disease, was a secondary analysis of data collected for a 2011 study on the effect of the ‘portfolio diet’ on cholesterol. The portfolio diet lowered […]