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Calcific Tendinitis

What is This Condition?


Calcific tendinitis occurs when calcium deposits build up in the rotator cuff tendons, causing intense pain and inflammation.


What Causes It?


  • The exact cause isn’t fully understood

  • Thought to be related to changes in blood supply to the tendon

  • More common in middle-aged adults and sometimes develops spontaneously


What are the Symptoms?


  • Sudden or severe shoulder pain, often without an obvious injury

  • Pain that is worse at night and may interrupt sleep

  • Stiffness and difficulty lifting the arm

  • Tenderness over the affected area

  • In some cases, pain may flare intensely when the calcium deposit begins to dissolve


How is It Diagnosed?


  • Exam: severe shoulder pain, especially at night

  • X-rays: show calcium deposits in the tendon

  • Ultrasound or MRI: confirm the size and location of the deposits


How is It Treated?


Non-surgical:


  • NSAIDs for pain

  • Cortisone injections

  • Physical therapy once pain improves

  • Ultrasound-guided needling and lavage to break up deposits

  • Shockwave therapy in select cases


Surgical:


  • Arthroscopic removal of calcium deposits and treatment of the rotator cuff (if symptoms persist despite conservative treatment)

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