From: Robert Scott Steinberg, DPM
As to Dr. Smith's assertions regarding statins and Achilles injuries, the science is not that solid. Here is what a Google AI result states: "Yes, there's a noted link between statin use and Achilles tendon problems (tendinopathy/rupture), with case reports highlighting severe issues, though large population studies show mixed results, some finding a slight increased risk, while others finding no causal link, suggesting other factors like age, diabetes, or combined meds play a role. Tendon issues often resolve when statins are stopped, and symptoms usually appear early in treatment, prompting physicians to monitor patients for pain or weakness."
Since we all know there are multiple factors that can lead to Achilles injuries, like age, health, weight, and body conditioning, I am not sure how these were figured into the suggestion that statins are a significant risk.
Robert Scott Steinberg, DPM, Schaumburg, IL
From: Ron Werter, DPM
I wonder where Dr. Smith gets his data from that he claims that statins cause diabetes and lowers testosterone and estrogen. According to most cardiologists, the data shows a 5% increase in muscular pain at higher doses. Nothing in legitimate peer-reviewed journals speaks about statins causing diabetes or hormonal disturbances. Most articles speak about statins reducing vascular inflammation and reducing cardiovascular pathology.
As a cardiologist friend of mine said many years ago when asked about the early thought that lipitor causes cataracts, it’s easier to treat cataracts than to treat death.
Ron Werter, DPM, NY, NY
From: Carl Solomon, DPM
Dr. Smith, thank you for sounding the alarm. As testimony to your comments, I can describe my own very recent experience. For over 6 months, I've had increasing connective tissue pain unrelated to overuse, stiffness, rotator cuff problems, a hamstrings strain from simply drying off after a shower, then a biceps tendon rupture. There was an obvious predisposition to these injuries due to something systemic. I reviewed my meds with my internist and we decided to do a 3-month holiday from rosuvastatin. My symptoms gradually subsided to the point I was pain-free after only 3 weeks. The biceps rupture us healing on its own.
If you do a PubMed search for keywords "statin", "tendonopathy", "rotator cuff", "rupture", etc., you'll find a wealth of articles in well-respected peer-reviewed the journals that describe this.
Carl Solomon, DPM, Dallas, TX
