ADT and hand problems

[Miko710]

Age 73. Did SBRT radiation and 18 months on ADT (Eligard). Now I'm finally off ADT (PSA .01). My right pinky finger has seemingly developed arthritis (difficult to bend it). X-rays show lack of cartilage according to my GP. But now I'm wondering (1) if it's a SE of ADT, and (2) if it might improve now that I'm off ADT. Doubling down on the Collagen powder, Genacol, Turmeric. Hopefully, it will improve post-ADT. Any advice would be welcome.

[cesanon]

Could be simply an age issue.

One more part breaking down.

Perhaps exacerbated by ADT

[T911]

69 years old. Just hit my 12th month of ADT and developed same problem with left hand followed one week later by right hand. I've seen several posts on here regarding finger problems on ADT with no one offering definitive treatment or follow up posts. Yesterday had my first meeting with my hospital's Survivorship program (specializing with dealing with side and after effects of cancer treatment). She suggested trying Glucosamine Chondroiton to start. They might possibly offer acupuncture and massage if that doesn't work. Seems like whenever I have a side effect resolve itself something new comes along to replace it.

[TJS-1]

Yes, I believe a SE for some from my same experience. Rapid loss of T may accelerate arthritic conditions that naturally develop with aging. Good news is it resolved for me almost completely within 3 months of T returning at first ADT vacation; but I was 54 at the time. Hope you also get a good resolution soon.

[MrGreenJeans]

Had something similar happen to me with my left index finger after being on Orgovyx for a little over a month. One day I went to bend my finger and it was painful, did not physically injure it in any way. After a few weeks it's almost back to normal.

[j-o-h-n]

Thank your lucky stars it's not your middle finger.....

BTW would you please update your bio. All info is voluntary and it helps you and helps us.

P.s. Get yourself a rubber ball and squeeze it gently in your hand little by little for 5 or 10 minutes to exercise that pinky.

Good Luck, Good Health and Good Humor.

j-o-h-n

[Miko710 in reply to j-o-h-n]

Thanks - and bio updated

[j-o-h-n]

Thank you sir....

Good Luck, Good Health and Good Humor.

j-o-h-n

[cancerfox]

I had a similar situation with my little fingers during ADT with Eligard, and like TJS-1 it cleared up when I came off ADT. And I am around your age. I think it is because testosterone promotes collagen production. 🦊

[Miko710]

Very encouraging - thanks

[Clippedwingz]

I’ve developed trigger finger on both middle fingers since initiating ADT plus Xtandi. Irritating and at times painful. Both fingers will get stuck closed and it’s difficult doing done movements like snapping my fingers. Was wondering if it could be from ADT and honestly hoping it is do there is hope it resolves whenever I can come off ADT (still have 12 months to go).

[Miko710]

Me too. People suggest collagen supplements. As for the ADT, hang in there. Just finished my 18 months: no libido, hot flashes (no big deal), fatigue (but you need to push yourself to do cardio/resistance exercise, mood swings (be aware). Best of luck!

[Rams91]

I finished six months of Orgovyx in May 2024. All fingers (except thumbs for some reason) developed arthritic stiffness 5 months into taking Orgovyx. All fingers hit one night at once and symptoms still going on even with T fully recovering. Right shoulder pain started few months ago followed by left shoulder pain last month. Been to few doctors. I don't buy the old age theory at 65 without any previous symptoms. Definitely from the ADT.

[Miko710]

Thanks. I hope that your symptoms vanish over time.

[jazzy53]

I had severe hand problems while on ADT, though of a slightly different sort. My hands blew up with fluid and I developed painful trigger fingers in just about every digit. I dropped and broke lots of things, which was very frustrating. The doctor and NP at the radiation oncology center, who I have to say were wonderful in most instances, said they'd never seen this before and surmised it was unrelated to ADT. But it was. The problem receded some months after ADT ended and is now seldom a problem. I haven't seen hand problems listed on any recognized lists of ADT side effects but have heard from enough men on this site to conclude that it is indeed related to the treatment, albeit at lower rates than, say, fatigue, impotence, and joint pain. Providers need to do a better job tracking ADT side effects. With no one to help me except a hand specialist who offered surgery (!), I found no relief except from applications of heat.