Bisphosphonates and joint problems - are these related?

[scd2211]

For the second time this year I am about to have surgery to remove bone from a joint. In May this year I had a cheilectomy to remove bone from my big toe joint. I am now going to have surgery to remove bone from my collarbone (where there are bony spurs) and a decompression of my acromioclavicular joint which is impinging on my rotator cuff tendons.

In the last 12 years I have also had the same surgery on the opposite foot and shoulder.

I am starting to wonder if the alendronic acid (with the subsequent osteoclast impact of reducing bone turnover) I have been taking for the last six years might have led to too much bone in these joints causing my problems.

I haven’t read or heard anything which might suggest a link but I thought I’d ask here if anyone had heard anything or wondered the same thing.

I’m probably feeling concerned unnecessarily about this. Osteoarthritis is probably the cause of my problems rather than the alendronic acid.

[fraid]

That sounds horrendous and rather extreme,you poor thing! Sorry can’t help re AA,I refused to take any of these dodgy drugs when I read about side effects,though they do seem to help some.Would have thought your consult could advise you on this?

[scd2211 in reply to fraid]

Thank you for your input 🙂. I actually haven’t had any problems taking the alendronic acid for the last six years and have seen an improvement in my bone density as a result of taking it. I’ll definitely ask the consultant but I imagine it’s not something there’s been any research about.

[Y3she]

Well I swear taking calcium did this for me. I started taking calcium and then my toe joint enlarged like a bunion. I stopped taking the calcium and it stopped hurting. Last year when I went for a dexa scan they said I had osteopena and put me on calcium. I started taking it again and it started enlarging my big toe joint again. I saw a Dr that did a test on my calcium levels and said for me not to take it. All has subsided again. It's such a minefield isn't it. Good luck moving forwards. It's tricky to know what is best for us all 🙈

[scd2211 in reply to Y3she]

Thank you for your input 🙂. It certainly is a bit of a minefield through which we’re all trying to steer a course! I used to take the calcium prescribed to me but haven’t for the last year or so, preferring to make sure I get enough calcium in my diet. A rheumatologist told me it’s much more important to ensure you get enough Vitamin D3 to ensure calcium is directed to your bones. I take the maximum 4000 iu daily and am hoping my next blood tests will show an improvement in my levels.

Thank you for your kind wishes.

[h1h1h1h1]

Hello, i only took alondronic acid from dec 2021 until May 2022 as i was found to have severe osteoporosis and had to start teriparitide injection daily from May 2022 on a 2 yr course. I found i needed to drink alot of water to swallow the alondronic acid. when the two yrs are almost up,i shall need to have a detailed discussion with endocrine consultant as i would probably be prescribed it again. I wasnt on it long enough to really explore its impact.Be guided by your consultants always would be my advice .

[scd2211 in reply to h1h1h1h1]

Thank you for your input 🙂. I’m certainly taking the advice of my rheumatologist by staying on the alendronic acid for the past six years as it was building my bone density. I’m planning my drug holiday for after my next DEXA in April.

I will enquire further about the possible link with the possibility of too much bone being retained in the wrong areas.

Good luck with the support you’re given and the decisions you make regarding improving your bone density.