A person with cancer is likely to experience pain at some point during the course of treatment and for some time afterward as well. However, there are effective treatments, so it is possible to be managed. Be sure to speak with your doctor or nurse if you have any questions about pain management options for your specific situation. If the pain is so extreme, it may require some home healthcare assistance, inpatient rehab or physical therapy.
Hip pain is another common side effect of chemotherapy and radiation, primarily if the treatment has caused bone cancer. The hip area is close to many blood vessels that supply your body with nutrients, making it a common site for metastasis or tumor growth. Therefore, bone cancer in the hip area can lead to pain in this region and mobility problems.
How Long Does joint pain last after chemo?
The duration of pain after chemo will vary. In some cases, it only occurs when the person is receiving treatment and then goes away afterward. In other cases, hip pain can last long after a course of chemotherapy has been completed. Additionally, there are certain medications that patients are required to take for five to ten years after chemo and radiation is “complete,” most notably with patients that had metastatic breast cancer, they experience extreme bone pain.
Initiating an anti-inflammatory diet may help alleviate symptoms caused by inflammation or arthritis. In addition, eating certain compounds like omega-3 fatty acids, ginger, turmeric, and other spices can help people maintain mobility by reducing joint stiffness. These natural compounds also prevent swelling in the joints, which causes pain because it restricts movement.
The first few days after treatment are typically the worst because of inflammation called chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN).
Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy (CIPN)
CIPN typically happens in the hands and feet. Symptoms can include pain, burning, tingling, or an intense sensation of pins and needles. The intensity varies from person to person and depends on what type of immunotherapy is being administered. If CIPN is particularly bothersome, it may be treated with over-the-counter pain medications. However, it is recommended to speak with your doctor before taking any painkillers. CIPN typically subsides after chemo has stopped or you have received radiation therapy. In some cases, the pain never goes away, and there is permanent damage to the nerves. Talk to your doctor about surgical measures to possibly “block” the pain.
Hip Bone Pain
Bone cancer in the hip area can lead to hip pain, especially when walking or standing for long periods. People with careers that require standing or walking may be forced to find other sources of income, as this condition may worsen as a result. The symptoms may be treated with medications like narcotic analgesics, anticonvulsants, and anti-inflammatories. An orthopedic surgeon may conduct joint replacement surgery if there is no improvement with standard pain management strategies after six months.
What is bone cancer?
Bone cancer is a form of cancer that attacks the cells which produce bones. The type of bone cancer depends on where the tumor first develops as well as the age of onset. Onset for this type of cancer typically occurs in early adulthood during puberty or early adulthood; however, it can also strike those over 50 years old. Symptoms can include bone pain and fractures that do not heal or go away.
How to Prevent Hip Joint Pain
Hip pain after cancer treatment can be prevented by taking steps to ensure your overall health is protected during this time. For example, maintaining healthy vitamin D levels, staying hydrated, and limiting alcohol intake will improve the immune system to fight illness and help protect against infection. In addition, limiting stress and practicing mild exercises, like yoga or walking, will reduce the risk of developing side effects like depression which can cause pain that makes other symptoms seem worse.
Where does bone cancer usually start?
Bone cancer most often affects the thighbone, pelvis, ribs, spine, and skull.
Facts About Cancer Treatment Side Effects
Researchers are developing new treatment options that will reduce the chances of experiencing bone pain after chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Researchers are also working to find additional non-drug therapies that can be used to manage other side effects like joint pain.
Signs and Symptoms of Bone Cancer
Patients typically experience little to no improvement in the first two weeks after starting chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Some patients do not experience any symptoms of bone cancer until later stages which is why it’s essential to talk to your doctor if hip pain has persisted for several months.
Is bone cancer usually fatal?
Yes, if left untreated, this type of cancer can become fatal. In addition, it is possible and common for certain bone cancers to spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body like the lungs, brain, and liver. Bone cancer that has metastasized is typically more challenging to treat and may require additional therapies or surgeries.
Source:
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https://www.cancer.org/treatment/treatmentsandsideeffects/physicalsideeffects/peripheral-neuropathy-chemotherapy/index.html
https://www.ehealthme.com/ds/herceptin/pain+hips+after+chemo/drug-side-
How long does bone pain last?
Bone pain can be chronic or acute. Chronic pain lasts for months, even years. Acute pain may last for a few days or weeks and can be severe.
How is bone cancer diagnosed?
Bone cancer may be hard to diagnose because symptoms are not specific to this type of cancer. Your doctor will ask you questions about your medical history and perform a physical exam, including taking X-rays or CT scans that can help them identify any abnormalities.
Where does bone cancer usually spread to?
Bone cancer can spread to other areas of the body like the lungs, brain, and liver. Bone cancer that has metastasized is typically more difficult to treat and may require additional therapies or surgeries.
How common is bone pain after cancer treatment?
Bone pain is a common side effect of cancer treatment. However, how often you will experience this depends on the type of medication used to treat your condition. For example, seeing bone pain after chemotherapy with Taxotere is more likely than experiencing it after other medications.
What treatment options are available?
There are several non-drug therapies used to treat cancer patients who experience bone pain after chemotherapy. A review of 12 studies published by the Cochrane Collaboration found that bisphosphonates are most often used to treat symptoms of bone cancer. Also
Hip pain after chemotherapy is a common side effect for cancer patients undergoing treatment. It might be alleviated by exercising, talking to your doctor about being proactive with managing treatments, or using non-drug therapies like bisphosphonates. If you are experiencing hip pain during chemo, contact your healthcare provider immediately.