Calcific Tendonitis ( Disease & Conditions, Treatments & Procedures , Symptoms )
The disorder known as calcific tendinitis causes calcium deposits to accumulate in tendons, most frequently in the shoulder. These deposits may result in discomfort and a constrained range of motion. Although the precise etiology of calcific tendinitis is unknown, it is thought that a number of variables, including injury, overuse, and inadequate blood supply to the affected area, may contribute to the condition. Rest, physical therapy, anti-inflammatory drugs, and in more serious cases, surgery, are among potential treatment options.
This article covers the following topics :
Calcific tendonitis: what is it?
The disorder known as calcific tendinitis causes calcium deposits to accumulate in tendons, most frequently in the shoulder. Women are more frequently affected than men by the illness, which commonly affects persons between the ages of 30 and 50.
Although the precise causation of calcific tendinitis is not entirely understood, it is thought to be linked to a number of different variables. Repetitive stress or overuse, damage to the afflicted area, and inadequate blood supply to the tendon are all thought to have a role in the onset of the illness.
A restricted range of motion as well as pain and stiffness in the afflicted joint are possible symptoms of calcific tendinitis. Movement or pressure on the affected area may make the pain greater and make it more severe. The calcium deposits could occasionally result in a noticeable bulge or bump.
Typically, a physical examination and imaging tests like X-rays, ultrasounds, or MRI are used to diagnose calcific tendinitis. Calcium deposits can be seen with X-rays, while ultrasound or MRI can offer a more thorough look of the affected area.
Calcific tendinitis can be treated with rest, physical therapy, anti-inflammatory drugs, and in extreme situations, surgery. Reducing inflammation and discomfort can be accomplished by giving the painful joint some rest and staying away from aggravating activities. Physical therapy can help to strengthen the injured area and increase range of motion. To assist in reducing inflammation and pain, anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen or corticosteroids may also be recommended.
To get rid of the calcium deposits or restore the damaged tendon, surgery may be required in some circumstances. Surgery is normally only used after all other therapies have failed or when the condition is severely painful and immobilizing.
With the right care, the majority of patients with calcific tendinitis report considerable improvements in their symptoms, which bodes well for their prognosis. The problem could, however, come again, especially if the underlying causes are not addressed.
Avoiding repetitive strain or overuse of the afflicted joint, keeping proper posture and body mechanics, and wearing the proper equipment or protective gear when participating in sports or other activities that may raise the risk of injury are all important components of calcific tendinitis prevention.
What distinguishes rotator cuff tendinitis from calcific tendonitis?
Both calcific tendinitis and rotator cuff tendonitis can have an impact on the shoulder.
Shoulder tendons can develop calcium deposits due to a condition known as calcific tendinitis. These buildups may result in discomfort, stiffness, and a restricted range of motion. Although calcific tendonitis can affect any of the shoulder’s tendons, the supraspinatus tendon, which runs through the top of the shoulder, is most frequently affected.
On the other hand, rotator cuff tendonitis is a condition where the tendons of the shoulder become irritated and inflamed. Overuse, injury, or degenerative changes in the shoulder joint can all contribute to this. In addition to discomfort, weakness, and restricted range of motion in the afflicted shoulder, rotator cuff tendonitis also causes these symptoms.
Although calcific tendinitis and rotator cuff tendonitis can both result in pain and restricted shoulder motion, their underlying causes are distinct, and hence, their treatments may also differ. Rest, anti-inflammatory drugs, physical therapy, and occasionally surgery to remove the calcium deposits are the usual treatments for calcific tendonitis. Rest, anti-inflammatory drugs, and physical therapy are also frequently used to treat rotator cuff tendonitis, but surgery may be necessary in more severe cases or when other therapies have failed.
It is crucial to consult a doctor if you have shoulder pain or restricted range of motion in order to identify the underlying reason and obtain the right care.
Do I have frozen shoulder or calcific tendonitis?
Based solely on symptoms, it might be challenging to distinguish between frozen shoulder and calcific tendinitis because they can both present similarly. Both diseases can result in shoulder discomfort and restricted range of motion. However, the frozen shoulder is a disorder in which the capsule around the shoulder joint thickens and stiffens, whereas calcific tendonitis is defined by calcium deposits that accumulate within the shoulder tendons.
Your doctor may order imaging tests like X-rays, ultrasounds, or MRIs to identify whether you have calcific tendonitis or a frozen shoulder. X-rays can show whether calcific tendonitis has calcium deposits, whereas ultrasound or MRI can give a clearer picture of the affected area and aid to differentiate between the two disorders.
It’s crucial to consult a doctor if you have shoulder pain and restricted range of motion in order to identify the underlying reason and obtain the right care. Rest, anti-inflammatory drugs, physical therapy, and, in some circumstances, surgery to remove the calcium deposits are possible treatments for calcific tendonitis. Physical therapy, painkillers, and occasionally surgery to loosen the stiffened capsule encasing the shoulder joint are all possible treatments for frozen shoulder.
Who is impacted by calcific tendonitis?
Although anyone can get calcific tendinitis, those between the ages of 30 and 60 are most frequently affected. The shoulder joint is where it most usually manifests in women, who are more likely to have it than males. Tennis players, swimmers, and workers in manual labor are among those who are more likely to develop calcific tendonitis than other people. These individuals also have a higher risk of shoulder or overhead motion injuries. The chance of acquiring this ailment may also be increased by specific medical conditions like diabetes and thyroid issues.
The frequency of calcific tendonitis?
Up to 10% of the population can develop calcific tendinitis, making it a rather prevalent ailment. Women are more likely to experience it than males, and it is most prevalent in adults between the ages of 30 and 60. While it can affect any tendon in the body, the rotator cuff tendons in the shoulder joint are most frequently affected. Even after receiving successful treatment, the illness may still reoccur.
How does my body respond to calcific tendonitis?
Depending on where the afflicted tendon is located, calcific tendinitis can have a variety of effects on your body. In the injured joint, calcific tendonitis typically results in discomfort, stiffness, and restricted mobility.
Upper arm and shoulder pain and stiffness can result from calcific tendonitis in the shoulder joint. You could find it challenging to raise your arm or carry out tasks that call for overhead mobility. The pain can make it difficult for you to fall asleep at night and may be most obvious then.
In some situations, the calcium deposits that develop in the tendons can contribute to irritation and inflammation, which can worsen pain. In extreme circumstances, the calcium deposits could grow to a size where they mechanically impinge or compress the tissues nearby, adding to the pain and discomfort.
The afflicted tendon and joint may continue to degenerate if calcific tendonitis is not treated, which could result in permanent injury and disability. If you have pain, stiffness, or restricted movement in any joint, it is crucial to consult a doctor because early treatment can help to stop additional damage and improve outcomes.
What stages of calcific tendinitis are there?
Based on how the problem develops, calcific tendonitis can be split into three stages:
1-The tendon may already be going through alterations that will eventually result in the creation of calcium deposits at this stage, even though there may not be any symptoms.
2-Of the calcium process is when calcium deposits start to accumulate inside the tendon. These deposits may result in joint irritation, discomfort, and stiffness.
3-Post-calcific stage: The pain and inflammation usually start to get better as the calcium deposits are gradually reabsorbed by the body. The tendon may be weaker and more prone to damage or tearing at this stage, and it may need rehabilitation time to regain strength and function.
The stage of the ailment can affect the symptoms and severity of calcific tendonitis, and the stage and severity of the condition will often affect the course of treatment. It’s crucial to see a doctor if you have joint pain, stiffness, or reduced mobility so that you can identify the underlying reason and get the right care.
What kind of arthritis is calcific tendonitis?
It is not a type of arthritis to have calcific tendinitis. It is a disorder where calcium deposits build inside of tendons, which can lead to discomfort, swelling, and stiffness in the affected joints. Although arthritis and calcific tendonitis can both result in joint pain and stiffness, they are two separate disorders with different underlying causes and therapeutic approaches.
A range of disorders that involve joint inflammation and degradation and can result in pain, stiffness, and decreased mobility are collectively referred to as arthritis. Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and psoriatic arthritis are only a few of the several kinds of arthritis.
Contrarily, calcific tendonitis results from the buildup of calcium deposits within a tendon and can cause swelling and discomfort in the affected joint. Although the precise etiology of calcific tendonitis is unknown, it is believed to be caused by a number of factors, including overuse of the afflicted joint, injury, and underlying medical disorders.
Rest, physical therapy, and painkillers may all be used as treatments for calcific tendonitis. To get rid of the calcium deposits or restore the damaged tendon, surgery may be required in some circumstances.
Why does calcific tendinitis develop?
Although the precise cause of calcific tendinitis is not entirely understood, it is believed to be connected to a number of conditions, such as:
1-Overuse or repetitive strain: Using a joint or tendon repeatedly can microtraumatize the area, causing inflammation and tendon damage.
2-Injury: A tendon can become inflamed and damaged as a result of direct trauma, which can aid in the development of calcium deposits.
3-Gender and age: Women and adults over 30 are more likely to develop calcific tendinitis than are younger people.
4-Genetics: According to certain research, the calcific tendonitis development may have a hereditary component.
5-Underlying medical diseases: Diabetes and thyroid issues are two factors that may raise the chance of developing calcific tendinitis.
6-Vitamin D deficit: Vitamin D shortage can result in calcium deposits building up in the tendons.
While the precise causation of calcific tendinitis is unknown, it is commonly accepted that a combination of these variables may be responsible. It’s crucial to consult a doctor if you have joint pain or stiffness in order to identify the underlying reason and obtain the right care.
What signs do calcific tendonitis exhibit?
Depending on the severity of the ailment and where the afflicted tendon is located, the symptoms of calcific tendonitis might change. Some typical signs include:
1-Pain: The primary sign of calcific tendinitis is pain. While moving or at rest, the discomfort may be either severe or dull.
2-Stiffness: The damaged joint or tendon may become stiff, making it challenging to move the joint properly.
3-Swelling: The affected area could be swollen or tender.
4-Reduced range of motion: The affected joint may have a limited range of motion, making some motions or activities challenging.
5-Weakness: The damaged tendon may feel weaker than usual, making it potentially more prone to tearing or being injured.
It is crucial to get medical assistance if you are feeling pain or discomfort in a joint or tendon because the symptoms of calcific tendonitis might be similar to those of other illnesses that affect the joints and tendons. A medical expert can do a physical examination and imaging tests to identify the underlying cause of your symptoms and suggest the best course of action.
The best way to diagnose calcific tendonitis?
Physical examination, medical history, and imaging studies are frequently used to diagnose calcific tendinitis. A medical expert could carry out the following tasks:
1-Physical examination: During a physical examination, a medical expert will evaluate the affected area to determine its level of pain, edema, and range of motion.
2-Medical history: A medical expert will inquire about your medical background, including any prior injuries or underlying illnesses that might be causing your symptoms.
3-X-rays: You can use X-rays to check for calcium deposits inside the tendon.
4-Ultrasound: An ultrasound can be used to measure the calcium deposits’ size and position as well as to check the tendon’s overall health.
5-MRI: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can be performed to get clear pictures of the damaged location and determine how much the tendon has been harmed.
A healthcare expert can confirm the diagnosis of calcific tendonitis and ascertain the degree of the injured tendon’s damage by carrying out these tests. They can provide suitable therapy recommendations based on this information.
What are the options for treating calcific tendonitis?
The severity of the ailment and the location of the calcium deposits will determine the best course of treatment for calcific tendonitis. Treatment choices could be:
1-Rest and adjustment of activities: Resting the injured area and avoiding painful activities can help to reduce inflammation and speed up healing.
2-Physical therapy: To help you increase your range of motion and lessen pain, a physical therapist can work with you to build a stretching and strengthening regimen.
3-Medications: To help lessen pain and inflammation, over-the-counter painkillers such acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) may be suggested.
4-Injections of corticosteroids: Injections of corticosteroids may be administered to lessen discomfort and swelling in the affected area.
5-Extracorporeal shock wave therapy: This procedure uses extremely powerful shock waves to dislodge calcium deposits and encourage healing.
6-Ultrasound-guided needle aspiration: In this procedure, a needle is used to aspirate or remove calcium deposits from the body after being led to them by an ultrasound.
7-Surgery: To remove the calcium deposits or restore the torn tendon, surgery may be required in extreme situations.
It is crucial to remember that calcific tendonitis therapy is often individualized and may incorporate a variety of various strategies. Based on your unique needs and the severity of your disease, your healthcare professional can assist you in choosing the best course of action for you.
Do treatments have side effects?
Some therapies used to treat calcific tendinitis may have negative effects. Depending on the particular medicine being utilized, these side effects may change. The following are some potential negative effects of popular therapies for calcific tendonitis:
1-Corticosteroid injections: At the injection site, corticosteroid injections can produce discomfort, edema, and redness. If taken for an extended period of time, they can potentially thin the skin and weaken the tendon.
2-Extracorporeal shock wave therapy: At the treatment location, extracorporeal shock wave therapy may result in pain, bruising, and edema. In rare instances, it could harm the nerves or tissues nearby.
3-Ultrasound-guided needle aspiration: The injection site may experience pain and discomfort throughout this operation. Additionally, there is a chance of infection or tissue harm.
4-Surgery: Surgery has a danger of infection, hemorrhage, and injury to the tissues around it. There could be a protracted healing phase as well.
Before beginning any treatment, it is crucial to go over the potential risks and side effects of each treatment choice with your healthcare provider. They can aid in your decision-making process as you assess the advantages and disadvantages of each alternative.
How long does recovery from surgery for calcific tendinitis take?
The length of time needed for recovery following surgery for calcific tendonitis can vary depending on the extent of the ailment and the procedure used. In general, a full recovery from surgery could take a few weeks to several months.
You might be able to resume your normal activities in a few weeks if you have arthroscopic surgery, for instance, which involves creating tiny incisions in the skin and using a tiny camera to guide the procedure. However, it can take several months for the injured tendon to recover completely and for the discomfort and swelling to go away.
The healing process could take longer if open surgery, which requires a deeper incision in the skin, is chosen. Recovery from open surgery could take several weeks to several months.
To encourage recovery and avoid complications, it’s crucial to carefully adhere to your doctor’s post-operative recommendations. Physical therapy, pain medication, and refraining from particular activities up until your recovery are a few examples of this. Depending on the procedure you have and the severity of your disease, your healthcare provider can give you more detailed information about what to anticipate throughout your recovery period.
How can I treat the signs of calcific tendinitis at home?
You can take care of the signs of calcific tendinitis in a number of ways at home. Here are a few advices:
1-Rest: Steer clear of activities that make your symptoms worse and give the affected area some rest. Pain and inflammation may be lessened as a result.
2-Ice: Several times a day, apply ice to the injured area for 15-20 minutes at a time. Pain and inflammation may be lessened as a result.
3-Compression: You can use a compression bandage to help reduce swelling if the affected area is swollen.
4-Elevating the injured area might also assist to lessen discomfort and swelling.
5-Pain relief: OTC pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can aid with pain relief and inflammation reduction.
6-Stretching and exercise: Once your symptoms start to get better, light stretching and exercise can help strengthen the injured area and increase flexibility. To prevent future injury, it’s crucial to begin carefully and gradually raise the intensity of your workouts.
Before using any home remedies or self-care techniques, it is crucial to discuss them with a healthcare professional, especially if you have a pre-existing medical condition or are taking any drugs. Based on the severity of your ailment and your particular needs, they can also make recommendations that are more detailed.
How can I lower my chance of developing calcific tendonitis?
You can do a number of things to lessen your chance of getting calcific tendonitis:
1-Exercise regularly to strengthen your muscles and tendons and lower your chances of inflammation and injury.
2-Warm up and cool down: It’s crucial to take the time to warm up and cool down before and after exercise or physical activity. This can lessen the chance of injury by preparing your muscles and tendons for activities.
3-Adopt right form and technique: To lower the chance of injury when engaging in physical activity or sports, adopt proper form and technique.
4-Take breaks: Give your tendons time to relax by taking regular breaks from physical exercise or jobs that requires repetitive motions.
5-Keep up a healthy diet: Eating a balanced, healthy diet will help lower the risk of inflammation and improve general health.
6-Avoid smoking because it weakens your bones and tendons and increases your chance of injury. Smoking can also cause inflammation.
7-Get adequate treatment for underlying medical diseases: If you have underlying medical disorders, such as diabetes or thyroid illness, that can raise your risk of developing calcific tendonitides, it’s crucial to do so in order to lower that risk.
You can lessen your risk of getting calcific tendinitis and other related diseases by following these guidelines.
How can calcific tendinitis affect me?
You can anticipate pain and discomfort in the affected location, which is typically the shoulder, but it can also happen in other parts of the body, if you have calcific tendonitis. Reaching overhead, for example, may make the discomfort worse. Stiffness and restricted range of motion may also accompany the pain.
The discomfort may be intermittent in the early stages of the illness, but as the calcium deposits in the afflicted tendon grow, it may become more severe and permanent. Additionally, it can be more painful at night, which would keep you up at night.
Calcific tendonitis can result in chronic discomfort and restricted motion in the afflicted joint if left untreated. But with the right care, the majority of patients are able to control their symptoms and resume their regular routines.
If you have ongoing discomfort or restricted range of motion in any joint, it’s crucial to consult a doctor since prompt diagnosis and treatment can lessen the likelihood of long-term disability and help you avoid additional injury.
When should I schedule a calcific tendonitis disease appointment with my doctor?
If you have persistent pain, discomfort, or restricted range of motion in a joint, you should consult your doctor, especially if the symptoms are limiting your everyday activities and degrading your quality of life. Additionally, it’s crucial to consult a doctor if you suddenly get extreme pain, swelling, or redness in the affected area.
You should also see your healthcare professional for additional examination and therapy if you have calcific tendinitis and your symptoms are not going away with over-the-counter or home remedies.
Additionally, it’s critical to have appropriate treatment and follow-up care if you have any underlying medical issues, such as diabetes or thyroid illness, that could raise your chance of developing calcific tendonitides. This will help you avoid or manage the condition.
It is always preferable to seek medical care as soon as possible because an early diagnosis and course of treatment can help limit additional harm and increase your chances of making a full recovery.
How come calcific tendinitis hurts so much?
For several causes, calcific tendinitis can be unpleasant. The presence of calcium deposits in the damaged tendon is one of the primary reasons of discomfort. These deposits may irritate the tissue in the area, resulting in swelling and discomfort. Calcium buildup can also alter the structure and functionality of the tendon, making it more susceptible to damage and additional injury.
The pressure that the calcium deposits place on the surrounding tissues, such as the nerves and blood vessels, is another cause of the pain. These structures may get compressed and irritated under this pressure, resulting in discomfort and agony.
Additionally, the calcium deposits’ inflammatory effects and tissue damage might result in the formation of scar tissue, which can further reduce the range of motion and worsen discomfort in the affected joint.
Calcific tendonitis can cause mild to severe discomfort, which may get worse with particular motions or situations. In some circumstances, in addition to the pain, the affected joint may also be stiff and have a restricted range of motion.
It is crucial to consult a doctor if you have ongoing discomfort or restricted range of motion in a joint in order to identify the underlying reason and obtain the right care.
Is calcific tendonitis a self-healing condition?
Calcific tendinitis occasionally resolves on its own, however the duration and intensity of symptoms can differ greatly from person to person. Depending on the situation, the symptoms may go in a matter of weeks or months or they may last for a number of years.
The calcium deposits in the tendon may progressively dissolve as a result of the body’s natural healing process, and over time, pain and inflammation may subside. But occasionally, the calcium deposits may not entirely dissolve, leading to symptoms that linger or come back.
While calcific tendinitis may go away on its own, it is crucial to remember that if left untreated, the condition could get worse. Without therapy, the calcium deposits can increase and harm the tendon and the tissues around it more.
Therefore, if you have symptoms of calcific tendonitis, especially if they are severe or interfering with your normal activities, it is advised that you contact a doctor. Options for treatment include managing pain, reducing inflammation, promoting healing, and stopping additional damage to the injured tendon.
Is calcific tendinitis reversible?
Yes, calcific tendonitis can reoccur, particularly if the underlying cause is not treated or if there are risk factors that raise that possibility.
Recurrence of calcific tendonitis may be more common in people who engage in recurrent stress-causing activities, such as athletes or people in particular vocations. Furthermore, some illnesses like diabetes or thyroid problems can make calcific tendinitis more likely to recur.
The calcium deposits may reappear in some instances if the first treatment for calcific tendonitis does not fully address the underlying problem. This might happen if the calcium deposits weren’t entirely eliminated or if the underlying reason, such as a structural problem or a medical ailment, wasn’t thoroughly addressed.
Addressing the root cause and managing any aggravating variables are crucial to lowering the risk of recurring calcific tendinitis. Depending on the severity and location of the calcium deposits, among other things, this can entail a change in lifestyle, physical therapy, medicines, or surgery.
It may also be advised to schedule routine follow-up visits with a healthcare professional in order to check for symptoms of recurrence and modify treatment as necessary.