A busy 47-year-old man who, out of nowhere, starts experiencing sharp pain in his shoulder, making it difficult to lift his arm or even sleep comfortably at night. What he didn’t know is that this pain was caused by a common shoulder condition known as calcific tendonitis.
What is Calcific Tendonitis?
Calcific tendonitis happens when calcium deposits form in the tendons of the shoulder, specifically in the rotator cuff. Most commonly, this affects the supraspinatus tendon, which plays a key role in arm movements. As these calcium deposits build up, they cause inflammation and pain, leading to reduced shoulder movement and function.
This condition typically affects people over the age of 40, and the primary cause is the natural wear and tear that occurs with aging. As the tendons break down and heal over time, calcium can accumulate, creating deposits that cause pain and stiffness.
Symptoms to Watch For
The main symptoms are:
- Persistent pain and stiffness in the shoulder
- Pain when lifting your arm
- Difficulty lying on the affected side
- In severe cases, loss of sleep due to discomfort
Diagnosing Calcific Tendonitis
Because shoulder pain can come from many different conditions, it’s important to get the right diagnosis. A healthcare professional will ask about your symptoms and examine your shoulder. To confirm calcific tendonitis, an X-ray is often used to identify the calcium deposits in the rotator cuff.
Treatment Options: What Can Be Done?
In many cases, treatment for calcific tendonitis can be non-surgical and aims to reduce pain and inflammation. Here’s what might be recommended:
- Rest, Ice, and Anti-inflammatory Medications: These are often the first steps to calm down the inflammation.
- Cortisone Injections: If pain is severe, a cortisone injection can help provide relief.
- Calcium Removal: For more persistent cases, a procedure involving saline rinsing of the calcium deposits through needles might be used. Techniques like ultrasound or shock wave therapy may also help.
If these options don’t bring relief, surgery may be necessary.
Surgical Solutions
In cases where pain, stiffness, or weakness worsens, a surgical option can be considered. This typically involves arthroscopy (keyhole surgery) or a small open procedure to remove the calcium deposits.
Life After Surgery
Recovery from surgery involves a combination of rest and physical therapy. Rest, ice, and anti-inflammatory medication help reduce the initial post-surgery pain, followed by physical therapy. A rehabilitation program focusing on strengthening and improving shoulder movement is essential to regain full function.