Calcific Tendonitis of the Shoulder
Pronounced: Cal-sa-fic Ten-don-it is of the Shoulder
Definition
Calcific tendonitis is a build-up of calcium in the tendons in the shoulder.
Tendons of the ShoulderCopyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc. |
Causes TOP
It is caused by a build up of calcium in the tendons. It is not known why this happens in some people.
Risk Factors TOP
This is more common in people who are 40 to 60 years of age. It is also more common in women.
Symptoms TOP
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 TOP
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 TOP
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 TOP
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 TOP
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