Aromatase inhibitors - is the joint pain transient?

[Shad]

Many of us have discussed joint pain with the use of Arimidex or Femara. My right knee is often so uncomfortable that I have trouble walking down stairs (was not this way prior to aromatase blockers).

My questions:
Is any real physical damage being done to our joints? Has anyone had arthroscopy and had cartilage damage noted?

What is the physiological basis of the joint pain (if known)?

Are any of you off of aromatase blockers (after 5 years of therapy - is this possible?) and has your joint pain gone away or persisted?

Thanks for all of the group's wisdom.
Shad