How to Treat Muscle Damage Due to Statins
Statins are drugs (i.e. Lipitor, Zocor) that are used to lower a person's cholesterol. Long-term use of statins can cause damage to muscles, including pain, soreness, weakness and even a rupture. According to the staff at Mayoclinic.com, not everything is known about the potentially damaging effects of statins on muscles. However, treatments for typical muscular problems usually include rest, immobilization, ice, heat, medication, massage and exercise.
Things You'll Need
- Brace for joint or muscle
- Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve)
- Ice
- Ice pack
- Heating pad
Instructions
-
-
1
Consult with your physician. If she confirms statins are causing problems, seek a substitute medication. Stop all physical activity and rest your affected muscle. For severe pain or slight ruptures, use a brace to limit movement.
-
2
Take two ibuprofen or naproxen every four or six hours as directed. Use this medication daily until your symptoms are gone.
-
-
3
Put ice in an ice pack. Strap the ice pack around your muscle so that the ice is compressed directly against your pain source. Leave the ice pack on for 15 to 20 minutes. Repeat ice treatment every three or four hours throughout the day. Continue daily ice therapy for the first 48 or 72 hours after the onset of symptoms.
-
4
Once the inflammation is under control, use a heating pad for 15 to 20 minutes several times per day. Continue heating pad usage until your muscle pain or other symptoms are gone.
-
5
Massage your sore muscle with your thumb and forefinger, rubbing across the muscle fiber. Repeat this procedure for 10 or 15 minutes. Repeat massage at least once more per day.
-
6
Do stretching exercises daily. Stretch your sore muscle in one direction. Hold that position for 15 to 30 seconds. Stretch your muscle in the opposite direction. Hold that position for 15 to 30 seconds. Stretch in more than two directions if your muscle is near a joint such as the wrist, hip or shoulder. When you can handle basic stretching exercises without pain, use a light dumbbell and perform some exercises to contract your muscle at least twice per week.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Ice reduces inflammation and pain by limiting blood flow to your muscle. After the ice has had time to reduce the initial inflammation, heat can promote blood flow to the muscle, carrying oxygen and nutrients that are essential for healing. Massage can help relax the muscles and nerves. Massage can also eliminate scar tissue, which is a major contributor to recurring muscle injuries. Stretching exercises will also increase blood flow as well as keep your muscle and joint flexible. The resistance exercises with weights to strengthen your injured muscle and adjacent ones.
Always consult with a physician before taking any medication.
Never apply ice directly to your skin as this can cause skin damage such as frostbite. Do not exercise before the initial inflammation has subsided because you can further injure your muscle.
