Calcific tendinitis, the depositing of calcium within the tendon, can occur in any region of the body but most commonly occurs in the shoulder. The cause of calcific tendinitis is unclear, and treatment is not universally agreed upon. A calcium deposit is usually viewable on an X-ray, which can determine the definitive diagnosis. Calcific tendinitis can exist without any symptoms for long periods and is generally irritated by overuse.
Anti-inflammatory Measures
Calcific tendinitis develops over time and often exists without symptoms. According to sports medicine specialist Dr. Eric Price, typically, patients begin to complain of pain in the shoulder after they perform a lot of activity with that specific shoulder. If the pain becomes severe, the patient may be instructed in anti-inflammatory measures. These may include immobilization of the affected area with a sling or splint, ice applied several times per day and over-the-counter medications. In more severe cases, the physician may prescribe anti-inflammatory medications or injections. None of these methods removes the calcium deposit, which may flare up again later.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapists can utilize several modalities to decrease inflammation and, in some cases, dissolve the actual calcium deposit. According to the Journal of the American Physical Therapy Association, radial shock-wave therapy for calcific tendinitis of the shoulder is safe and effective, leading to a significant reduction in pain and improvement of shoulder function after four weeks, without adverse effects. Ultrasound therapy is often used by physical therapists to decrease inflammation and calcium deposits. A stretching program is another valuable component of physical therapy.
Surgery
Occasionally, calcific tendinitis doesn't respond to any conservative treatments and must be addressed surgically. Most surgery to remove calcium deposits can be performed microscopically, decreasing the recovery time dramatically. Dr. Eric Price says that once the calcium deposit is removed from the rotator cuff, pain from calcific tendinitis is expected to resolve. Recovery time varies on a case-by-case basis, depending primarily on how much resultant damage to surrounding tissues has occurred. The patient is generally required to rest the area for two weeks and can be re-evaluated for return to work and activities after that.
