You pop your statins to protect your ticker, but you could also be making your knees happy in the process. A recent Dutch study finds that cholesterol-lowering statins, like Lipitor and Crestor, can significantly reduce the progression of osteoarthritis in the knee.
Researchers analyzed how osteoarthritis in the knees of nearly 3,000 people over age 55 progressed—comparing data of those who took statins for their hearts with those who didn’t. The results? Those who took the cholesterol meds had a 50% reduction in their progression of knee osteoarthritis.
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, and it occurs when cartilage—the slippery tissue that protects the ends of your bones in joints—gradually wears down. So how could cholesterol meds help your knee? Just like increased levels of fat in the blood are linked to high cholesterol, researchers speculate that high levels of fat are also associated with a faster progression of osteoarthritis. So it makes sense that statins—which have powerful anti-inflammatory effects—could benefit the heart and knee by lowering the levels of fat.
While more research is needed before statins can be prescribed to manage osteoarthritis, researchers are hopeful that this new study can help lead the way for more effective treatments for the debilitating condition.
If achy knees are keeping you sidelined, try some of these natural remedies to ease your pain:
Load up on omega-3s: Prevention advisor and integrative health expert Andrew Weil, MD, suggests including several servings of anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids, such as Alaskan salmon and other cold-water fish, in your weekly diet. Other foods with omega-3s include freshly ground flaxseed, omega-3-fortified eggs, and walnuts.
Move more: It may seem counterintuitive that moving sore knees would make them feel better, but strengthening the muscles around arthritic joints has been shown to help support the joints and lessen pain. Experts recommend stretching, strength training, and water workouts to help. Talk to your doctor or physical therapist to find the best fit for you.
Keep it hot—or cold: Different temps work for different people, so experiment with hot and cold therapies to see what helps reduce your painful flare-ups. For heat, microwave a sock full of rice for 2 minutes, then place it on your knee (test before applying to your skin), and leave in place until it cools. For cooling relief, grab a bag of frozen peas or a cold compress to place on your joint.
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