Hi, I am 1 year post diep flap reconstruction surgery, taking Letrozole and have eventually found a brand that suits me relatively well. But I’ve noticed that I have really bad stiffness in my ankles particularly in the morning which can last several hours. I also get niggling cramp in the soles of my feet throughout the day. I’ve read this can be a common side effect so wondered if anyone else had this and any tip tips to improve it. I try to remember to do some ankle circle before I get up which helps a little bit but to be honest, it seems to be getting worse not better
Hi @emmah2
Sounds horrible what you are experiencing, I’ve not been on this med so dont know for sure however when I get cramp I drink fever tree tonic. The quinine in it helps the cramp disappear rather quickly. Just one little tin is enough. For the feet have you tried exercises with a tennis size ball? Grip. Pushing rolling all help with the feet. I got my exercise off moonrise. Maybe try looking them up on YouTube they may have something on there you could try
Hope you get some relief soon xxxx
Thank you for the top tips
will give those a try ![]()
@emmah2 Coconut water or banana are the classics for cramping & I had some luck with tart cherry juice during the taxane chemo joint pain so worth trying?
Hi @emmah2 . Just wondering if you are taking Abemaciclib as well as Letrazole. I had a lot of aches and pains, they reduced the Abemaciclib to 100mgs and it improved the pain. Otherwise I take paracetamol x2 first thing in the morning and Naproxen (prescription from GP) when I need them. It best to take something, eg Paracetamol, regularly to get on top of the pain and keep it under control, and then it doesn’t build up too much.
You could also ask for a physiotherapy referral, or see on privately if that’s possible, as that can help a lot
Sorry to hear you’ve been in pain. I’m just on Letrozole - seems whichever brand you’re on it comes with side effects. I’ve been ok with this current one except for this joint pain and it does seem to be getting worse. I can’t take any NSAIDs as I also have ulcerative colitis but I do take paracetamol now and again
Hi - I’m a bit of an expert on joint pain and stiffness as I have been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. I would suggest turmeric, ginger, blueberries and avoiding any sugar to reduce inflammation. Also, an oncologist recommended taking glucosamine supplements. Definitely keeping the joints moving helps especially when painful and stiff. Hope this helps.
Thank you so much for the advice ![]()