Overview

Definition

Calcific tendonitis is a build-up of calcium in the tendons in the shoulder.

Tendons of the Shoulder
Rotator cuff labeled
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Causes

It is caused by a build up of calcium in the tendons. It is not known why this happens in some people.

Risk Factors

This is more common in people who are 40 to 60 years of age. It is also more common in women.

SymptomsandDiagnosis

Symptoms

Symptoms may be:

  • Pain that starts quickly
  • Pain moving the shoulder
  • A stiff shoulder
  • Problems moving the shoulder
  • Pain that makes it hard to sleep
  • Loss of muscle mass

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and health history. A physical exam will be done. It will focus on your shoulder. A doctor who treats bones may be needed.

Images may be taken of your shoulder. This can be done with an x-ray.

Treatments

Treatment

Most people get better in time. Other options may be:

Initial Care

Initial care may be:

  • Rest to help the shoulder heal
  • Ice or heat to ease pain and swelling
  • An arm sling to keep the shoulder in place as it heals
  • Medicine to ease pain and swelling
  • Medicine injected in the shoulder to help it heal and ease pain and swelling
  • Exercises to make the shoulder stronger and help it to move better

Breaking Up Deposits

Calcium deposits may be broken up with:

  • Needles that flush the area with saltwater
  • Ultrasound or shockwave therapy

Surgery

Some people may need surgery to remove the deposits. This can be done with arthroscopy. It uses small incisions and tools to view and remove the deposits.

Prevention

It is not known why this happens in some people. This are no guidelines to prevent it.

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

Edits to original content made by Denver Health.

RESOURCES

Arthroscopy Association of North America http://www.aana.org 

Ortho Info—American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons http://orthoinfo.aaos.org 

CANADIAN RESOURCES

Canadian Orthopaedic Association http://www.coa-aco.org 

Health Canada http://www.canada.ca 

References

Calcific tendonitis. Internet Society of Orthopaedic Surgery & Trauma website. Available at: http://www.orthogate.org/patient-education/shoulder/calcific-tendonitis-of-the-shoulder.html. Updated September 4, 2015. Accessed September 23, 2019.

De Carli A, Pulcinelli F, et al. Calcific tendinitis of the shoulder. Joints. 2014 Jul-Sep;2(3):130-136.

Escamilla RF, Hooks TR, et al. Optimal management of shoulder impingement syndrome. Open Access J Sports Med. 2014;5:13-24.

Impingement of the shoulder. Ortho Info—American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons website. Available at: http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=a00032. Updated February 2011. Accessed September 23, 2019.

Rotator cuff impingement. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:  https://www.dynamed.com/condition/rotator-cuff-impingement . Updated June 20, 2018. Accessed September 23, 2019.