What Is Calcific Tendonitis?

If the tendon of a muscle becomes inflamed, the condition is called tendonitis. Tendonitis caused by calcium deposits is called calcific tendonitis.

Cause

• The cause of calcium deposits in tendons is not known, but according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, calcific tendonitis is more likely to occur in people who have a chronic disease such as diabetes.

Symptoms

• The primary symptoms of calcific tendonitis are pain and tenderness, sometimes with restricted movement.

Diagnosis

• Your doctor can diagnose calcific tendonitis using a physical examination and X-rays.

Treatment

• Conservative treatment for calcific tendonitis includes anti-inflammatory medicine, ice packs, exercises to maintain movement and physical therapy. More aggressive options are needling or a cortisone injection. If other treatments do not work, surgery to remove the calcium deposits is an option.

Considerations

• Calcific tendonitis is most common in the tendons around the shoulder but can occur in any tendon.