Shoulder Calcific Tendinitis Vs. Bursitis

Calcific tendonitis is inflammation and pain caused by calcium deposits in a muscle tendon. Bursitis is inflammation of a bursa, a small fluid-filled sac that acts as cushioning around joints. Both conditions can occur in the shoulder.

Shoulder Calcific Tendonitis

• Shoulder calcific tendonitis can cause mild or severe pain and tenderness, and may also cause you to have trouble moving your shoulder or raising your arm above your shoulder. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, calcific tendinitis often occurs in people who have a chronic disease, such as diabetes.

Shoulder Bursitis

• The symptoms of shoulder bursitis include pain on the outside front area of your shoulder, pain when you lift your arm above your head, or swelling and warmth on the outside of your shoulder.

Diagnosis

• According to the American College of Rheumatology, diagnosis of tendonitis and bursitis requires a medical history and careful physical examination. Although X-rays do not show bursa or tendons (they will show calcium deposits), they can rule out other bone or joint problems.

Treatment

• Exact treatment of either condition depends on the underlying cause, but initial conservative treatments generally include rest, ice, anti-inflammatory medicine, and exercise.

Expert Insight

• According to the American College of Rheumatology, X-rays of the shoulder often show that people have calcium deposits; however, most often these deposits do not cause any symptoms.