Pain (Arthralgia and Myalgia)

What Are Myalgia and Arthralgia?

What Is Myalgia?

It is muscle pain. Although joint and muscle pain have many causes, including injuries and poor posture, we will focus on pain occurring as a chemotherapy side effect.

This pain generally appears in the arms and legs 48 to 72 hours after chemotherapy. It may not occur with every treatment. You may feel pain during one treatment but not the next. Paying attention to the points below can make life easier when pain is severe.

What Is Arthralgia?

Arthralgia involves joints, the points connecting bones. At these points, such as shoulders, elbows and knees, structures prevent bones from rubbing together. Inflammation, reduced joint fluid and damage to these structures cause pain. This pain in joints is called arthralgia .

How Can I Cope with Arthralgia and Myalgia as Cancer Treatment Side Effects?

• Take medication according to your doctor's prescription.
• Plan all activities, including rest periods, and get plenty of rest.
• A heating pad or hot water bottle may soothe the painful area. Remember to wrap it in a towel before touching your skin. You can apply it 4-5 times daily for short periods of 5-10 minutes.
• Eat regularly and healthily.
• Some artistic activities (painting, music and others), meditation (yoga) and similar relaxation techniques may help.
• Massage applied to the painful area may be beneficial, or you may benefit from reflexology techniques.

Certain chemotherapies (paclitaxel, docetaxel), white blood cell boosters (neupogen, granocyte and others) and bone-protective drugs (zometa, zolenat, bondronat and others) can cause this pain.

Do not be frightened or panic if this pain occurs; remember that appropriate medications can reduce your complaints.

Consult Your Doctor in These Situations

Consult your doctor if severe pain affects daily life. Never follow hearsay advice on your own without your doctor's knowledge. Your doctor will perform necessary tests and make any additions and/or changes considered necessary to relieve pain.

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