The most common type of calcinosis (calcium deposits) is dystrophic calcification which occurs mainly due to any soft tissue damage. Metastatic calcification results from an excess of systemic calcium that can be caused by renal failure, excess or lack of other minerals, and a host of other etiologies. Tumoral calcinosis is rare and the cause is not entirely understood other than that they seem to be globular calcifications near joints. The only way to remove calcium deposits is with arthroscopic surgery, however the pain can be reduced without removal.
Step 1
Consume the recommended dose of an over the counter anti-inflammatory medicine and apply ice packs to the area of the calcium deposit.
Step 2
If pain continues and becomes more frequent go see a physical therapist to get an evaluation and a range-of-motion exercise program. Range-of-motion exercises prevent stiffening of the joints where the calcium deposits reside reducing pain.
Step 3
If you are still having pain, see a doctor. The doctor will inject the calcium deposit with cortisone or a similar drug. This injection should relieve the pain within a couple hours. If the problem persists, the doctor will recommend arthroscopic surgery.
Step 4
Arthroscopic surgery is a minimally invasive surgery where the doctor will perform the calcium deposit removal through an arthroscope by way of a small skin incision. In most cases once the deposit is removed, it does not return. Apply ice packs to the incision site after the surgery to reduce pain and swelling.
Tips and Warnings
- Take the proper steps to treating calcium deposits before they cause severe damage. Generally they are just painful, however a long term calcification in the shoulder joint can cause undue pressure on the rotator cuff tendon which can damage the tendon permanently. If in doubt of severity, see a physical therapist or doctor to get proper diagnosis and treatment.
- When using ice packs, always place some form of cloth between the ice and your skin. Allow the skin to take a break from the ice every 2 hours and check your skin every 15-20 minutes to prevent frostbite. Use anti-inflammatory medicine as directed on the bottle or by a doctor.
Things You'll Need
- Ice packs
- Oral anti-inflammatory medicine (e.g. Advil)
