Overview
Calcific tendinitis most often affects the rotator cuff tendons of the shoulder.
When to get urgent help
Not usually urgent.
Causes and risk factors
Unknown; more common in people aged 30 to 60 and in those with diabetes.
How it develops (pathophysiology)
Tendon cells change into cartilage-like cells that deposit calcium crystals. When the body starts to reabsorb the deposit, intense inflammation causes sudden severe pain.
Signs and symptoms
Shoulder pain, worse lifting the arm and at night, sometimes sudden and severe.
How it is diagnosed
X-ray or ultrasound.
Possible complications
Frozen shoulder and tendon tears.
Medicines
Anti-inflammatory painkillers and steroid injections.
Other treatments
Physiotherapy, shockwave therapy and needle lavage of the deposit.
Living with it and prevention
Not preventable.
Outlook
Most deposits resolve over months.
