Calcific Tendinopathy
Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment by Mr. David Shields
Calcific tendinopathy, also known as calcium deposition or calcific tendonitis, is a condition that causes pain and stiffness in your shoulder. It happens when calcium crystals build up in your rotator cuff tendons. Don’t worry, though, it often clears up on its own and there are things we can do to help if it doesn’t.
What is Calcific Tendinopathy?
Imagine tiny, hard crystals forming inside the tendons of your shoulder. That’s what happens in calcific tendinopathy. These calcium deposits can irritate the tendons and cause inflammation, leading to pain and stiffness.
Symptoms of Calcific Tendinopathy
- Stiffness in your shoulder, making it difficult to move your arm.
- Pain that spreads down your arm.
- Tenderness when you touch the affected area.
What Causes Calcific Tendinopathy?
We don’t know for sure what causes calcific tendinopathy, but it’s thought to be linked to a few things:
- Age: It’s more common in people aged 30-60
- Gender: Women are more likely to develop it
than men. - Hormones: Changes in hormone levels may play a role.
- Tendon Degeneration: Wear and tear on the tendons over time can make them more susceptible to calcium deposits.
How is Calcific Tendinopathy Diagnosed?
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and examine your shoulder. They may also order imaging tests to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other conditions.
- X-rays: Can show the calcium deposits in your tendons.
- Ultrasound: Uses sound waves to create images of your shoulder, allowing your doctor to see the calcium deposits and assess the severity of the condition.
- MRI: Provides detailed images of your shoulder’s soft tissues, helping your doctor to identify any associated problems, such as rotator cuff tears.
Treatment for Calcific Tendinopathy
Good news! Most cases of calcific tendinopathy get better on their own with time. In the meantime, there are things we can do to manage the pain and speed up your recovery.
Non-Surgical Treatment
- Rest: Avoid activities that aggravate your shoulder pain.
- Painkillers and Anti-inflammatories: Over-the-counter medications like paracetamol or ibuprofen can help relieve pain and reduce inflammation.
- Physiotherapy: Exercises can help improve your shoulder’s range of motion and strengthen the muscles surrounding the joint. Your physiotherapist can also advise you on ways to modify your activities to protect your shoulder.
- Steroid Injections: In some cases, your doctor may recommend injecting a corticosteroid medication into the affected area to reduce pain and inflammation.
- Dry Needling: This involves inserting a thin needle into the calcium deposit to break it up and encourage reabsorption. It’s often done alongside a steroid injection.
- Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT): High-energy sound waves are directed at the calcium
deposit to break it down. However, evidence suggests this is less effective than needling and injection.
Surgical Treatment
Surgery isn’t normally needed for calcific tendinopathy. It’s usually only considered if non-surgical treatments haven’t been successful and your pain is significantly affecting your quality of life. The procedure to remove the deposit is performed arthroscopically (keyhole surgery) under general anaesthetic.
During the surgery, the surgeon will remove the calcium deposit from your tendon. They may also perform a subacromial decompression, which involves removing a small amount of bone from the underside of your shoulder blade to create more space for your rotator cuff tendons.
Recovery After Surgery
Recovery from surgery for calcific tendinopathy varies from person to person. You’ll need to wear a sling for a few weeks to protect your shoulder while it heals. Your surgeon and physiotherapist will give you specific instructions on how to care for your shoulder and gradually increase your activity levels.
Most people make a good recovery from surgery and are able to return to their normal activities within a few months. However, it’s important to follow your surgeon’s instructions carefully to avoid complications.Physiotherapists can show you exercises to do at home to help reduce pain and improve movement. Examples include:
FAQs About Calcific Tendinopathy
Will calcific tendinopathy go away on its own?
Yes, in most cases, calcific tendinopathy will eventually go away on its own. The calcium deposits are gradually reabsorbed by the body. However, this process can take several months or even years. If your symptoms are severe or not improving, treatment can help manage the pain and speed up recovery.
How long does it take to recover from calcific tendinopathy?
The recovery time for calcific tendinopathy depends on the severity of your condition and the treatment you receive. With non-surgical treatment, most people experience significant improvement within a few weeks or months. Recovery from surgery may take a few months.
Can calcific tendinopathy come back?
Yes, it is possible for calcific tendinopathy to come back, even after successful treatment. However, this is not common. If you have had calcific tendinopathy before, it’s a good idea to be aware of the symptoms and seek medical attention if you experience them again.
FAQs About The Upper Limb Clinic
What types of conditions does Mr David Shields treat at The Upper Limb Clinic?
Mr David Shields at The Upper Limb Clinic specialises in a variety of conditions affecting the shoulder and elbow. This could include:
- Rotator cuff tears
- Shoulder impingement
- Frozen shoulder
- Tennis elbow
- Golfer’s elbow
- Calcific tendinopathy
What treatment options does Mr David Shields offer?
Mr David Shields offers a range of both surgical and non-surgical treatment options, depending on the specific condition. These could include:
- Physiotherapy
- Steroid injections
- Dry Needling
- Arthroscopic surgery
Do I need a referral to see Mr David Shields at The Upper Limb Clinic?
A referral is not required, please contact The Upper Limb Clinic at info@theupperlimbclinic.co.uk or visit our website at this link should you wish an appointment.
