Calcific Tendonitis Prognosis

Calcific tendonitis is an inflamed tendon caused by calcium deposits. According to the University of Michigan Health System, the condition usually gets better in four to six weeks with treatment.

Significance

• Calcific tendonitis most often occurs in the shoulder tendons but can affect any tendon. The most common symptoms of calcific tendonitis are pain and tenderness, sometimes with restricted movement.

Cause

• The cause of the calcium deposits is unknown; however, calcific tendonitis is more likely to occur in people with endocrine disorders such as diabetes.

Treatment

• The initial treatment for calcific tendonitis is usually nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), rest, heat and/or ice and physical therapy to strengthen muscles. More aggressive treatment includes needling, cortisone shots and surgery.

Results

• According to eORIF.com, a site for orthopaedic surgeons, 72.7 percent of patients treated without surgery are satisfied with the results and 85.4 percent of patients who have surgery are satisfied with the outcome. Also, non-surgical treatment fails in 46.9 percent of patients who have endocrine disorders and in 22.7 percent of patients without endocrine disorders.

Considerations

• Even when the symptoms of calcific tendonitis go away, the calcium deposits may still be present.