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Calcification of tendons, also known as calcific tendonitis, is a condition that occurs when calcium deposits build up in the tendons or muscles. This condition can lead to muscle weakness and pain, particularly when lifting or carrying objects. While it can occur anywhere in the body, it most commonly affects the shoulder, specifically the rotator cuff tendons. The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that provide stability and enable movement in the shoulder joint. As the calcium deposits grow, they reduce the space between the rotator cuff and the acromion, affecting the normal function of the rotator cuff muscles and resulting in subacromial impingement. This impingement further irritates the tendon, causing tendonitis and increased pain, which can significantly impact daily life and activities.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | Calcific tendonitis is a condition caused by calcium deposits building up in a person's muscles or tendons. |
| Occurrence | Calcific tendonitis can occur anywhere in the body but is most common in the rotator cuff of the shoulder. |
| Symptoms | Pain, discomfort, stiffness, reduced range of motion, and rotator cuff tenderness. |
| Risk Factors | Age (40-60 years), gender (more common in women), overhead motions, heavy lifting, sports, and underlying health conditions (diabetes, thyroid disorders, etc.). |
| Diagnosis | Physical examination, X-ray imaging, ultrasound, MRI, and other imaging tests. |
| Treatment | Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroid injections, physical therapy, shockwave therapy, barbotage, and in some cases, surgery. |
| Prognosis | Calcific tendonitis typically resolves with treatment or on its own, but can lead to complications like rotator cuff tears and frozen shoulder if left untreated. |
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What You'll Learn
Calcific tendonitis symptoms
Calcific tendonitis is a condition caused by calcium deposits building up in a person's muscles or tendons. It can occur anywhere in the body but is most common in the shoulder, specifically the rotator cuff. The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that connect the upper arm to the shoulder.
While some people with calcific tendonitis do not experience any symptoms, others may experience pain and discomfort, especially during movement. This pain can be severe and may interfere with sleep. It can also restrict a person's range of motion.
The condition tends to develop in stages. In the pre-calcific stage, movement causes pain and the range of motion becomes limited. In the calcific stage, calcium is released from cells, forming deposits that can cause significant discomfort. In the post-calcific stage, the deposits are replaced by healthy tissue.
If left untreated, calcific tendonitis can lead to complications such as rotator cuff tears and frozen shoulder.
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Calcific tendonitis causes
Calcific tendonitis is caused by calcium deposits building up in a person's muscles or tendons. This can occur anywhere in the body but most often affects the shoulder joint, specifically the rotator cuff. The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that connect the upper arm to the shoulder, providing strength and stability.
The condition occurs in three stages: pre-calcific, calcific, and post-calcific. During the pre-calcific stage, movement causes pain and the range of motion becomes limited. In the calcific stage, calcium is released from cells, forming deposits that can cause significant discomfort. In the post-calcific stage, the deposits are replaced by healthy tissue.
While the exact cause of calcific tendonitis is unknown, it is believed that aging and wear and tear play a role in its development. It is more common in adults between 40 and 60 years old, with women being more likely to be affected than men. Additionally, those who play sports or routinely raise their arms up and down for work may have a higher risk of developing the condition.
Calcific tendonitis can cause pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion. It can be diagnosed through imaging tests such as X-rays and ultrasounds, which reveal the presence and size of calcium deposits. Treatment options include medication, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery.
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Calcific tendonitis treatment
Calcific tendonitis is a condition that occurs when calcium deposits build up in a person's muscles or tendons. It can cause pain and discomfort and restrict a person's range of motion. Although this condition can occur anywhere in the body, it usually affects the shoulder joint, specifically the rotator cuff.
There are various treatment options available for calcific tendonitis. Most cases can be treated without surgery, and only about 10% of people may require surgical intervention. Here are some common treatment methods:
Medication
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are typically the first line of treatment. These medications are easily available over the counter and can help manage pain and inflammation.
Corticosteroid Injections
Doctors may recommend corticosteroid injections, such as cortisone, to reduce pain, inflammation, and swelling.
Extracorporeal Shock-Wave Therapy (ESWT)
This procedure involves using a small handheld device to deliver mechanical shocks to the affected area, near the site of calcification. This therapy breaks up the calcium deposits into smaller pieces, making it easier for the body to reabsorb them.
Physical Therapy
Once the pain and inflammation have decreased, physical therapy may be recommended to strengthen muscles and increase the range of motion.
Surgery
In more severe cases, surgery may be necessary, especially if there are complications such as rotator cuff tears or frozen shoulder. Surgical procedures can help remove the calcium deposits and repair any associated damage.
It is important to consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. They will consider factors such as the severity of symptoms, the size of calcium deposits, and the patient's medical history when determining the most appropriate treatment approach.
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Calcific tendonitis diagnosis
Calcific tendonitis is a condition caused by calcium deposits building up in a person's muscles or tendons. It can occur anywhere in the body but is most common in the rotator cuff, a group of muscles and tendons that connect the upper arm to the shoulder.
Although it can happen to anyone, calcific tendonitis is more common in people who play sports or routinely move their arms up and down for work. It is also more prevalent in adults aged 40 to 60, with women being more likely to be affected than men.
The condition occurs in three stages:
- Pre-calcific: During this initial phase, movement causes pain and the range of motion becomes limited.
- Calcific: Calcium is released from cells, forming calcium deposits. Over time, the body begins to reabsorb them. This stage can be significantly uncomfortable.
- Post-calcific: The deposits are replaced by healthy tissue.
If you are experiencing symptoms of calcific tendonitis, you should see your doctor. They will ask about your symptoms and medical history and perform a physical examination to see whether your range of motion has changed and how severe the pain is. They may ask you to lift your arm or make arm circles to observe any limitations in your range of movement.
After the physical exam, your doctor will likely recommend imaging tests to look for any calcium deposits or other abnormalities. An X-ray can help identify larger deposits, while an ultrasound can detect smaller deposits that an X-ray may miss. The size of the calcium deposits will affect the treatment plan.
Most cases of calcific tendonitis can be treated without surgery, and the condition can even disappear on its own. Doctors may recommend medication, physical therapy, or a nonsurgical procedure. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are typically the first line of treatment, and corticosteroid (cortisone) injections may be given to help relieve pain and swelling.
In more severe cases, surgery may be necessary, followed by physical therapy.
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Calcific tendonitis risk factors
Calcific tendonitis is a condition caused by calcium deposits building up in a person's muscles or tendons. It can occur anywhere in the body but is most common in the shoulder, specifically the rotator cuff.
While doctors are unsure why some people develop calcific tendonitis and others don't, certain risk factors have been identified:
- Age: Calcific tendonitis typically affects adults between 40 and 60 years old.
- Gender: Women are more likely to develop the condition than men.
- Overhead motions: People who perform a lot of overhead motions, such as heavy lifting, or play sports like basketball or tennis, are at a higher risk.
- Frozen shoulder: Calcific tendonitis is sometimes associated with frozen shoulder, a condition characterised by pain and stiffness in the shoulder.
It's important to note that calcific tendonitis is not a very common condition and can often be treated without surgery. However, if you experience any unusual or persistent shoulder pain, it is recommended to consult a doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
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Frequently asked questions
Calcific tendonitis is a condition caused by calcium deposits building up in a person's muscles or tendons. This can happen anywhere in the body but is most common in the rotator cuff of the shoulder.
The symptoms of calcific tendonitis include pain and discomfort, reduced range of motion, and rotator cuff tenderness. Some people with calcific tendonitis do not develop any noticeable symptoms.
Yes, calcification of tendons can cause muscle weakness and imbalances, which can contribute to impingement problems in the shoulder. As the calcific deposits grow, they reduce the space between the rotator cuff and the acromion, affecting the normal function of the rotator cuff muscles.
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