Tendon issues are a common source of discomfort in a joint, especially in a more mobile and less stable joint like the shoulder. One specific condition that we see with elevated frequency among older adults is known as calcific tendonitis. Calcific tendonitis occurs when calcium deposits develop on or near the tendon, which can then irritate the soft tissue during movement. This leads to inflammation and mobility restrictions, making normal movements uncomfortable or downright painful.
So why does calcific tendonitis develop, and more importantly, how can it be effectively treated? In today’s blog, we explore the causes, symptoms and treatment options for calcific tendonitis.
What Causes Calcific Tendonitis
Medical experts don’t know exactly why some people develop calcium deposits within their shoulder tendons, but there are a number of different factors that appear to be linked to the condition or increase a person’s likelihood of developing the condition. Oftentimes the condition is believed to be the result of chronic or repetitive stress on the shoulders. As the tendon works to regularly repair microtears, small calcium deposits can form as a byproduct to the healing process. If an area is chronically attempting to recover from stress and strain, these deposits can end up growing in size and irritating the tendon.
Aside from repetitive stress and normal wear and tear on the shoulder, some factors that may increase a person’s risk of developing calcific tendonitis include:
- Being over the age of 40
- Being a woman
- Underlying genetic factors
- Excessive calcium buildup in the bloodstream, potentially caused by a thyroid issue or endocrine disorder.
- Metabolic disorders, like diabetes
Symptoms of calcific tendonitis mimic symptoms of other common shoulder conditions, so it’s important to consult with a specialist to pinpoint the issue so that the right treatment method can be pursued. Alongside general discomfort, an individual with calcific tendonitis may experience worsening pain with movement or lifting the arm above their head, stiffness, swelling and mobility restrictions.
Effective Treatment Options For Calcific Tendonitis
Again, it’s important to connect with a shoulder specialist who can pinpoint the true cause of your discomfort and get you set up with a targeted treatment plan. Calcific tendonitis is different than other forms of arthritis, and while treatments like physical therapy will do wonders for restoring comfortable motion, you may not experience full relief if the underlying cause of calcium deposit formation is not also treated.
Most patients will find relief from calcific tendonitis by pursuing a combination of the following treatments:
- Rest – Protecting the area from additional strain in the short-term can limit the formation or growth of calcium deposits.
- Anti-inflammatories – Anti-inflammatory medications can calm inflammation that develops as a result of the calcium deposit irritating nearby soft tissues.
- Physical Therapy – Gentle stretching and strength training exercises will help to restore comfortable movement and overall function in the rotator cuff and its supportive tendons. PT also works to target nearby muscles and structures so that these areas can handle some stress and in turn protect the tendons from overload during normal movements.
- Calcium Management – For patients whose condition is brought upon or worsened as a result of a genetic predisposition or underlying health condition, managing these issues is a must for best results. Managing these underlying conditions will be patient specific, and they may involve treatments like weight loss, improved glucose management or medications, depending on your individual needs.
- Hot/Cold Therapy – Finally, patients may benefit from heating pads or ice packs to facilitate fluid movement in and out of the shoulder area. Ice can limit swelling that may occur after movement or physical therapy exercises, while heat can open up blood vessels and make it easier for oxygen-rich blood to reach the tendon and kickstart the healing process.
Most patients experience symptom relief by pursuing a few of these methods, but for more severe cases or unresponsive calcium deposits, more hands-on care may be warranted. In these instances, a corticosteroid injection or even a surgical debridement procedure may be recommended, but oftentimes it does not progress to this point. Your provider can walk you through the next steps should more involved care become necessary.
Let us help rid you of these uncomfortable calcium deposits in the shoulder once and for all. For more information, or for help with a different shoulder issue, reach out to Dr. Holloway and his team today at (865) 410-7887.
