Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Causes Shoulder Pain While On Statins?
Posted on
Mon, 10 Oct 2016
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Mon, 10 Oct 2016
Answered on
Thu, 3 Nov 2016
Last reviewed on
Question : I HAVE BEEN TAKING A STATIN DRUG FOR NEARLY 3 MONTHS AND RECENTLY AM HAVING PROBLEMS WITH SHOULDER PAIN AND MUSCLE PAIN IN MY RIGHT SHOULDER AND FORARM. I AM CONCERNED SINCE MANY PROBLEMS AS JOINT PAIN IN MY KNEES, WRIST, AND TENDERNESS IN MY THIGHS AND BACK OF MY LEGS. I am a runner mostly 3 or 4 times a week running 40 to 60 minutes consistently, but I HAVE RAN FOR YEARS OUTSIDE AND INSIDE. I HAVE SEVERAL WEEKS AGO STARTED WEIGHT MACHINE EXERCIZING AND ALSO MAY BE TURNING AGE 70 IN JANUARY. MY CONCERN IS THAT ALL OF THESE PROBLEMS ARE COMING AT THIS TIME. I HAVE HAD AN APPOINTMENT WITH MY INTERNAL MEDICINE DOCTOR WHO PUT ME THROUGH SOME MOTION MOVEMENTS WITH MY ARM AND DIDNT SEEM CONCERNED AS TO THE EFFECT WITH THE STATIN DRUG, I WAS SUPRISED HE DIDN'T SUGGEST TRYING A DIFFERENT STATIN DRUG, SHOULD I BE CONCERNED?
Brief Answer:
SUpportive care
Detailed Answer:
Thank you for asking
I read your question and i understand your concern. With new onset of statins in 3 months, with history of joint and knee pains at age of 70 altogether be causing this pain in right shoulder forearm. Statin might be playing a role as well as statins can cause myalgias and painful body musculature. Keep exercising and keep traying range of mobility to prevent any stiffness in joints. Take some tylenol and some NSAIDs for the pain and wait and see. No need to be concerned, its a mixed picture of age related arthralgias and maay be statins. Switching statins wont be that beneficial. If the pain exaggerates, revisit your physician to rule out any sinister side effects of myolysis but that is quite rare. other wise no worries .
I hope it helps. Take good care of yourself and dont forget to close the discussion please.
Regards
Khan
SUpportive care
Detailed Answer:
Thank you for asking
I read your question and i understand your concern. With new onset of statins in 3 months, with history of joint and knee pains at age of 70 altogether be causing this pain in right shoulder forearm. Statin might be playing a role as well as statins can cause myalgias and painful body musculature. Keep exercising and keep traying range of mobility to prevent any stiffness in joints. Take some tylenol and some NSAIDs for the pain and wait and see. No need to be concerned, its a mixed picture of age related arthralgias and maay be statins. Switching statins wont be that beneficial. If the pain exaggerates, revisit your physician to rule out any sinister side effects of myolysis but that is quite rare. other wise no worries .
I hope it helps. Take good care of yourself and dont forget to close the discussion please.
Regards
Khan
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
