Hina Khan Battles Chemotherapy Pain, Stresses Exercise’s Importance
Mumbai, August 10, 2024 — Actress Hina Khan has bravely shared her ongoing struggle with severe neuropathic pain caused by her chemotherapy treatment for breast cancer. In a heartfelt Instagram post, Khan revealed the challenges she faces, including frequent numbness in her legs and feet, which sometimes leads to falls during workouts. Despite these setbacks, she remains determined, focusing on her resilience and strength to continue her fitness regimen.
Khan emphasized the crucial role of exercise in her journey, stating, “Exercise or any kind of physical activity is vital for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. But it’s even more essential and effective when one’s going through a phase of illness. Working out regularly not only helps you feel stronger physically but also gives sustenance to your mental health.”
Chemotherapy-induced neuropathic pain, also known as chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN), is a common side effect that impacts the somatosensory nervous system, leading to chronic pain and balance issues. A 2019 review by the National Center for Biotechnology Information highlights CIPN as a significant cause of neuropathic pain in clinical practice. Recent research published in JAMA Internal Medicine in July 2024 suggests that neuromuscular training could reduce the incidence of CIPN by 50 to 70 percent, potentially improving survival rates.
Dr. Tirathram Kaushik, consultant oncosurgeon at Wockhardt Hospitals Mira Road, explained that neuropathic pain can severely affect quality of life, making daily activities challenging. He noted that while this pain often subsides within a few weeks of stopping chemotherapy, persistent cases might require treatments such as medications, acupuncture, physiotherapy, scrambler therapy, or transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS).
Dr. Ashwani Maichand, director of the orthopaedics department at CK Birla Hospital (R), Delhi, stressed the importance of neuromuscular coordination. “Neuromuscular coordination engages the ankle, knee, hip, and core muscles, building strength and endurance in the smaller stabilizing muscles that are vital for balance,” he said.
As Khan continues her fight against cancer, her openness about her struggles and advocacy for exercise serve as a beacon of hope and strength for others facing similar battles.
