What is Calcific Tendinitis
Calcific tendinitis occurs when crystals of calcium are deposited in a tendon. Tendons are tough, cord-like tissues that connect muscle to bone. Tendons are an important part of joints.
They make joints move, and they absorb some of the stress that a joint receives during use. When calcium is deposited in the tendon, the tendon becomes stiff and painful and it can become swollen. Calcific tendinitis occurs frequently in a tendon in the shoulder joint (rotator cuff).
What are the causes?
The cause of calcific tendinitis is not known. It may be associated with:
- Overusing a tendon, such as from repetitive motion.
- Excess stress on the tendon.
- Age-related wear and tear.
- Repetitive, mild injuries.
What increases the risk?
This condition is more likely to develop in:
- People who do activities that involve repetitive motions.
- Older people.
What are the signs or symptoms?
This condition may or may not be painful. If there is pain, it may occur when moving the joint. Other symptoms may include:
- Tenderness when pressure is applied to the tendon.
- A snapping or popping sound when the joint moves.
- Decreased motion of the joint.
- Difficulty sleeping due to pain in the joint.
How is this diagnosed?
This condition is diagnosed with a physical exam. You may also have tests, such as:
- X-rays.
- MRI.
- CT scan.
How is this treated?
This condition generally gets better on its own. Treatment may also include:
- Resting, icing, applying pressure (compression), and raising (elevating) the area above the level of your heart. This is known as RICE therapy.
- Medicines to help reduce inflammation or to help reduce pain.
- Physical therapy to strengthen and stretch the tendon.
- Following a specific exercise program to keep the joint working properly.
Treatment for more severe calcific tendinitis may require:
- Injecting steroids or pain-relieving medicines into or around the joint.
- Manipulating the joint after you are given medicine to numb the area (local anesthetic).
- Inflating the joint with sterile fluid to increase the flexibility of the tendons.
- Shock wave therapy, which involves focusing sound waves on the joint.
If other treatments do not work, surgery may be done to clean out the calcium deposits and repair the tendon as needed. Most people do not need surgery.
Follow these instructions at home:
Managing pain, stiffness, and swelling
- If
directed, put heat on the affected area before you exercise or as often as
told by your health care provider. Use the heat source that your health
care provider recommends, such as a moist heat pack or a heating pad.
- Place a towel between your skin and the heat source.
- Leave the heat on for 20–30 minutes.
- Remove the heat if your skin turns bright red. This is especially important if you are unable to feel pain, heat, or cold. You may have a greater risk of getting burned.
- Move the fingers or toes of the affected limb often, if this applies. This can help to prevent stiffness and lessen swelling.
- If directed, elevate the affected area above the level of your heart while you are sitting or lying down.
If directed, put ice on the affected area:
- Put ice in a plastic bag.
- Place a towel between your skin and the bag.
- Leave the ice on for 20 minutes, 2–3 times a day.
General instructions
- Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
- Do notdrive or use heavy machinery while taking prescription pain medicine.
- Follow recommendations from your health care provider for activity and exercise. Ask your health care provider what activities are safe for you.
- Avoid using the affected area while you are experiencing symptoms of tendinitis.
- Wear an elastic bandage or compression wrap only as told by your health care provider.
- Keep all follow-up visits as told by your health care provider. This is important.
Contact a health care provider if:
- You have pain or numbness that gets worse.
- You develop new weakness.
- You notice increased joint stiffness or a sensation of looseness in the joint.
- You notice increasing redness, swelling, or warmth around the joint area.
Get help right away if:
- You have a fever for more than 2–3 days.
- You have symptoms for more than 2–3 days.
- You have a fever and your symptoms suddenly get worse.
