Calcific tendinitis happens when tendons (usually within the shoulder) become inflamed. Most often, the rotator cuffs in the shoulders are the target, and either or both shoulders can be affected.
The causes of calcific tendinitis are not definitively known, but it IS known that too much calcium in the diet does not cause it, and most people who have calcific tendinitis show that they have normal calcium levels in the blood. If you have been diagnosed with calcific tendinitis, therefore, you should NOT limit your calcium intake just because you've been diagnosed with this condition; you could put yourself at risk of developing osteoporosis, because too little calcium in the diet will simply cause your body to leach it from your bones.
While it's certain that something is inducing the body to secrete calcium, nobody's certain what it is; there are links to kidney disease and kidney stones (which are calcium deposits in those organs), but there is no corroborating evidence. Likewise, overuse injuries of the rotator cuff do not trigger calcific tendinitis. It is possible to get rotator cuff wear on the shoulder; this is a common injury in quarterbacks and pitchers in pro sports, but these don't necessarily become calcified.
Those above the age of 30 are generally seen to be at greater risk of developing calcific tendinitis, since the condition is rarely seen in those under the age of 30.
What are the symptoms of calcific tendinitis?
Calcified tendinitis is typically symptom free; the calcium nodule builds up under the rotator cuff, and it isn't until it sheds crystals that any pain occurs. If the calcium deposit grows deeply enough, it won't be felt as a lump or anything, though it may cause shoulder impingement syndrome if you raise your arm over your head.
Where the symptoms show up is when the calcium deposit sheds crystals and flakes of calcium, which act like very small knives in the tendons, or like burrs, and cause inflammation as the body tries to break them down and reabsorb them. Most times, the pain lasts for a week or two and the symptoms go away.
The onset of symptoms can be sudden, and the recommendation is that you stretch and maintain your full range of motion.
X rays will show if the shoulder pain you're having is caused by calcific tendinitis. The calcium nodule will show up readily. Treatment is typically icing the shoulder and anti-inflammatory drugs like Tylenol and aspirin. Range of motion exercises prevent a "frozen shoulder" incident.
In some rare cases, your doctor may decide that it's necessary to go invasive, and use a hypodermic needle and syringe to break up the calcium lump and remove the pieces. In extreme cases, this may take an arthroscopic surgical procedure to do completely and remove all traces of it from the trauma site. - 30453
The causes of calcific tendinitis are not definitively known, but it IS known that too much calcium in the diet does not cause it, and most people who have calcific tendinitis show that they have normal calcium levels in the blood. If you have been diagnosed with calcific tendinitis, therefore, you should NOT limit your calcium intake just because you've been diagnosed with this condition; you could put yourself at risk of developing osteoporosis, because too little calcium in the diet will simply cause your body to leach it from your bones.
While it's certain that something is inducing the body to secrete calcium, nobody's certain what it is; there are links to kidney disease and kidney stones (which are calcium deposits in those organs), but there is no corroborating evidence. Likewise, overuse injuries of the rotator cuff do not trigger calcific tendinitis. It is possible to get rotator cuff wear on the shoulder; this is a common injury in quarterbacks and pitchers in pro sports, but these don't necessarily become calcified.
Those above the age of 30 are generally seen to be at greater risk of developing calcific tendinitis, since the condition is rarely seen in those under the age of 30.
What are the symptoms of calcific tendinitis?
Calcified tendinitis is typically symptom free; the calcium nodule builds up under the rotator cuff, and it isn't until it sheds crystals that any pain occurs. If the calcium deposit grows deeply enough, it won't be felt as a lump or anything, though it may cause shoulder impingement syndrome if you raise your arm over your head.
Where the symptoms show up is when the calcium deposit sheds crystals and flakes of calcium, which act like very small knives in the tendons, or like burrs, and cause inflammation as the body tries to break them down and reabsorb them. Most times, the pain lasts for a week or two and the symptoms go away.
The onset of symptoms can be sudden, and the recommendation is that you stretch and maintain your full range of motion.
X rays will show if the shoulder pain you're having is caused by calcific tendinitis. The calcium nodule will show up readily. Treatment is typically icing the shoulder and anti-inflammatory drugs like Tylenol and aspirin. Range of motion exercises prevent a "frozen shoulder" incident.
In some rare cases, your doctor may decide that it's necessary to go invasive, and use a hypodermic needle and syringe to break up the calcium lump and remove the pieces. In extreme cases, this may take an arthroscopic surgical procedure to do completely and remove all traces of it from the trauma site. - 30453
About the Author:
Tom Nicholson has spent years caring for carpal tunnel sufferers. You can click here to learn more regardingcalcific tendinitis.
