Statin Use and Tendon Injuries

By Hal Blatman MD on Apr 7, 2015 in Blog, Health Tips, News

running exercise

Statin medications have been prescribed for people with cholesterol problems. Since they were first introduced on the market, various reports have revealed their benefits and dangers.

Most doctors who prescribe statins know to look for the potential adverse effects and warn patients about them. Common side effects of statins include liver problems, muscle pain, and fatigue. Patients considering statins should also be aware of the potential for tendon damage.

Statin Drugs and Tendon Injuries

When I first started researching treatment for tendon injuries, I read an article published in Arthritis Care Research in 2008. It reported findings on tendon injuries, tendinitis, and possible tendon rupture associated with statin use. Since then, many peer-reviewed studies have found a link between statins and tendon injuries and disorders.

This well-documented connection is essential for any weekend warrior who plays racquet sports, runs, or golfs and happens to take statin medications. Perhaps most notable is that in the 2008 study I mentioned, patients who stopped the drugs had pain that cleared up but then had problems with walking, bruising, and decreased range of motion when they went back on them.

In the intervening years, researchers have found that statins can lower levels of the coenzyme Q10, an antioxidant that helps with cellular production and preserves tendons and other connective tissues. Also, statin use can interfere with the synthesis of collagen, a part of the tendons that promotes elasticity and strength.

Seeking Alternatives to Statin Therapy

If you have an active lifestyle that you want to preserve and are controlling your cholesterol, contact Blatman Health and Wellness Center today to explore alternatives to statin drugs, such as lipid treatments. Consider discussing diet changes and supplements to support your medical needs with our nutritionist. If you already have injured tendons and ligaments, you can regrow them with prolozone injections or platelet-rich plasma therapy right here in Cincinnati.

Hal Blatman MD

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