Calcific Tendonitis of the Shoulder

Pronounced: Cal-sa-fic Ten-don-it is of the Shoulder

by Cynthia M. Johnson, MA

Definition

Calcific tendonitis is a build-up of calcium in the tendons in the shoulder.

Tendons of the Shoulder

Causes

It is caused by a build up of calcium in the tendons. It is not known why this happens in some people.

Risk Factors

This is more common in people who are 40 to 60 years of age. It is also more common in women.

Symptoms

Symptoms may be:

Pain that starts quickly
Pain moving the shoulder
A stiff shoulder
Problems moving the shoulder
Pain that makes it hard to sleep
Loss of muscle mass

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and health history. A physical exam will be done. It will focus on your shoulder. A doctor who treats bones may be needed.

Images may be taken of your shoulder. This can be done with an x-ray.

Treatment

Most people get better in time. Other options may be:

Initial Care

Initial care may be:

Rest to help the shoulder heal
Ice or heat to ease pain and swelling
An arm sling to keep the shoulder in place as it heals
Medicine to ease pain and swelling
Medicine injected in the shoulder to help it heal and ease pain and swelling
Exercises to make the shoulder stronger and help it to move better

Breaking Up Deposits

Calcium deposits may be broken up with:

Needles that flush the area with saltwater
Ultrasound or shockwave therapy

Surgery

Some people may need surgery to remove the deposits. This can be done with arthroscopy. It uses small incisions and tools to view and remove the deposits.

Prevention

It is not known why this happens in some people. This are no guidelines to prevent it.

RESOURCES:

Arthroscopy Association of North America
http://www.aana.org

Ortho Info—American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
http://orthoinfo.aaos.org

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

Canadian Orthopaedic Association
http://www.coa-aco.org

Health Canada
http://www.canada.ca

References:

Calcific tendonitis. Internet Society of Orthopaedic Surgery & Trauma website. Available at:
...(Click grey area to select URL)
Updated September 4, 2015. Accessed September 23, 2019.

De Carli A, Pulcinelli F, et al. Calcific tendinitis of the shoulder. Joints. 2014 Jul-Sep;2(3):130-136.

Escamilla RF, Hooks TR, et al. Optimal management of shoulder impingement syndrome. Open Access J Sports Med. 2014;5:13-24.

Impingement of the shoulder. Ortho Info—American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons website. Available at:
...(Click grey area to select URL)
Updated February 2011. Accessed September 23, 2019.

Rotator cuff impingement. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/rotator-cuff-impingement. Updated June 20, 2018. Accessed September 23, 2019.

Last reviewed September 2019 by EBSCO Medical Review Board Teresa Briedwell, PT, DPT, OCS, CSCS
Last Updated: 7/14/2020