Cholesterol is a type of fat in your bloodstream that protects the body. Higher-than-normal amounts of cholesterol all too often lead to a condition known as atherosclerosis (clogged arteries). Prolonged atherosclerosis is a prominent cause of heart attack and stroke. If you have high cholesterol, you may notice that you also have joint pain. While high cholesterol is not a cause of joint pain, medications to control your cholesterol levels may be.
Joint Pain
All the bones in your body, except for the hyoid bone located in your neck, connect to one another via a joint. While some of these joints pivot, others glide, hinge or rotate, assisting your body with a wide range of movement. When inflammation is present within a joint, the result is a pain. The Harvard Medical School Family Health Guide explains that joint pain usually accompanies swelling and stiffness. In some cases, the joint will feel warm to the touch.
The Statin Connection
If you have high cholesterol, your physician may suggest the use of a statin medication (HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors). Statins inhibit the production of liver enzymes that create cholesterol. The use of a statin can lower LDL (low-density lipoprotein, or bad cholesterol) and raise HDL (high-density lipoprotein, or good cholesterol). According to New York University Langone Medical Center, statin drugs have the potential to cause a series of side effects including muscle and joint pain, which are the most common symptoms.
Treatment
If your joint pain becomes more than you can bear, speak to your doctor. In some cases, physicians prescribe coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) supplements to offset the adverse side effects of statins. The University of Maryland Medical Center explains that statin medications tend to deplete CoQ10 levels in the body, resulting in joint and muscle pain. CoQ10 comes in soft-gel capsule form, which is available over the counter. The usual adult supplemental dose is approximately 200 mg.
Alternatives
Lifestyle and dietary changes are sometimes necessary for patients suffering from certain illnesses that cannot take statins and for those who do not tolerate statin medications. NetWellness explains that low-fat foods, fiber and niacin supplements and the addition of oatmeal to your diet can help lower cholesterol. If you believe that the use of a statin is contributing to your joint pain, discuss these alternatives with your doctor to determine whether they are suitable for your particular high-cholesterol condition before discontinuing statin medications.
