What is calcific tendonitis?
Calcific tendonitis is inflammation and calcification of tendons
around a joint. A tendon is a band of strong fibrous tissue
forming the end of the muscle that attaches the muscle to bone.
Calcification is the hardening of a tendon by a deposit of
calcium. Calcific tendonitis happens most often in the tendons of
the shoulder joints, but tendons of any joint may be affected.
How does it occur?
The calcium deposit causes pain and inflammation. What causes the
calcium deposit is not known.
What are the symptoms?
Calcific tendonitis can be mild or severe. Symptoms include:
When calcific tendonitis affects the shoulder, you may have
trouble moving your shoulder or raising your arm above your
shoulder.
How is it diagnosed?
Your healthcare provider will examine you and review your
symptoms. You will have X-rays of the joint.
How is it treated?
To relieve pain and restore functioning of the injured joint:
- Take anti-inflammatory medicine, such as ibuprofen, if
recommended or prescribed by your healthcare provider.
- Put ice packs on the joint for 20 to 30 minutes every 3 to 4
hours.
- Do the exercises prescribed by your provider to keep the joint
moving.
- Get physical therapy.
- Avoid activities that make the problem worse.
If the symptoms do not go away, your healthcare provider may give
you a steroid injection.
This condition can be treated with surgery if other treatments do
not work. In addition, surgery may be used to improve your range
of motion if calcific tendonitis in your shoulder makes it hard
for you to move your shoulder.
How long will the effects last?
Calcific tendonitis usually gets better with 4 to 6 weeks of
treatment, but sometimes symptoms last longer than this. In some
cases, the symptoms may go away on their own. The calcification
will usually still be there even if symptoms go away.
How can I take care of myself?
- Follow the treatment your healthcare provider recommends.
- Move the joint often to prevent it from freezing up, but avoid
activities that bother your joint.
This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to
change as new health information becomes available. The
information is intended to inform and educate and is not a
replacement for medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or
treatment by a healthcare professional.
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This
information is approved and/or reviewed by U-M Health System providers
but it is not a tool for self-diagnosis or a substitute for medical
treatment. You should speak to your physician or make
an appointment to be seen if you have questions or concerns about
this information or your medical condition.