Managing joint pain (Arthralgia) after a cancer diagnosis

What is joint pain (arthralgia)? 

Joint pain is a sensation of discomfort, achiness, or tenderness in one or more of your joints. It can make movement difficult, leading to muscle weakness and increased stiffness, which often creates a cycle of worsening pain. Pain is most common in the hands and feet, but can also happen in the knees, hips, lower back and shoulders. You may have it all the time or it may come and go. You may notice that your joints are stiffer in the morning, when you first get up. 

How do cancer treatments cause joint pain? 

Different treatments can affect your joints in various ways: 

• Chemotherapy: Some drugs cause systemic inflammation, swelling, or a specific type of ache. 

• Immunotherapy: These treatments can sometimes mistakenly trigger reactions that resemble autoimmune arthritis. 

• Hormone Therapy: By reducing oestrogen, a natural lubricant and protector for joints, these therapies can lead to arthritic-like stiffness and pain. 

• Radiotherapy: Treatment directed at bones can inflame nearby tissues and cause localised discomfort. 

• The Cancer Itself: Tumours may cause hormone imbalances or spread directly to the bones.  

Important: The amount of pain you feel is not necessarily related to the growth or stage of your cancer.