Statins INCREASE the risk for developing osteoarthritis.

  Statins have received a lot of attention for their anti-inflammatory properties. Researchers are looking into uses beyond cholesterol-lowering such as Alzheimer's, multiple sclerosis, and rheumatoid arthritis. But recent evidence suggests that elderly women taking statins are more likely to develop severe osteoarthritis in the hip.

  Some experts suggest statins stimulate thickening of the bone around the joint causing the cartilage to deteriorate. Statins increase nitric oxide...leading to formation of growth factors and proteins involved in new bone formation.

  However, statin use doesn't seem to worsen osteoarthritis if it's already present. This may be because the anti-inflammatory effects of statins are enough to slow the progression of existing osteoarthritis.