calcific tendinitis

Calcific Tendinitis: A Condition Characterized by Calcium Deposits in the Shoulder

Calcific tendinitis, also known as calcific tendonitis or calcific tendinopathy, is a condition where calcium deposits form on the tendons of the shoulder. This can lead to inflammation and pain in the affected area.

Causes and Symptoms

The exact cause of calcific tendinitis is unknown, but it is believed to be related to the deposition of calcium crystals in the tendon. The symptoms of this condition include:

• Sudden and severe pain in the shoulder
• Limited range of motion due to inflammation and pain
• Calcium deposits can form on the tendons, leading to inflammation and pain

Characteristics

Calcific tendinitis is a self-limiting disease that is characterized by the deposition of calcium phosphate crystals in the tendon. It is most commonly found in the shoulder region.

Prevalence and Impact

While the exact prevalence of calcific tendinitis is unknown, it is considered to be a relatively rare condition. However, when it does occur, it can have a significant impact on daily life, causing severe pain and discomfort.

References:

• Calcific tendonitis of the shoulder, classified as enthesopathy, is a self-limiting disease characterized by the deposition of calcium phosphate crystals in the tendon [1].
• The tissues around the deposit can become inflamed, leading to pain and limited range of motion [3].
• Patients presenting with calcific tendonitis often complain that their pain came on suddenly and significantly impairs range of motion [8].

Note: The numbers in square brackets refer to the search results provided in the context.

Recognizing Calcific Tendinitis Symptoms

Calcific tendinitis, a condition characterized by calcium deposits in the tendon, can cause severe pain and discomfort when the area becomes inflamed. The symptoms of calcific tendinitis may vary from person to person, but some common signs include:

• Pain and stiffness: Pain is often felt over the top of the shoulder radiating down the arm, and is worse with lifting the arm away from the body [2].
• Reduced range of motion: The pain and stiffness of calcific tendinitis can cause you to lose motion in your shoulder. At its most severe, the pain may interfere with your sleep [4].
• Sudden onset: Some people may experience a sudden onset of symptoms, such as waking up with severe pain one day without any prior injury explaining it [6].
• Recurring episodes: Symptoms of calcific tendinitis may include pain and stiffness that often comes back but usually lasts 1 to 2 months. It is often worse when the area becomes inflamed [8].

When to Seek Medical Attention

If you develop symptoms such as sudden pain, tenderness or reduced range of motion, it's essential to contact your healthcare provider for proper evaluation and treatment.

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Diagnostic Tests for Calcific Tendinitis

Calcific tendinitis, also known as calcifying tendinitis, can be diagnosed through a combination of patient history, physical examination, and imaging examinations.

• Imaging Examinations: Orthogonal radiographs (x-rays) of the shoulder are commonly used to diagnose calcific tendinitis. These x-rays show calcium deposits overlying the rotator cuff insertion [4]. In some cases, additional imaging studies such as ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be ordered to confirm the diagnosis.
• Physical Examination: A thorough physical examination by a healthcare professional is also an essential part of diagnosing calcific tendinitis. This includes taking a detailed medical history and performing a physical exam of the shoulder [5].
• Diagnostic Tools and Tests: Other diagnostic tools and tests may be used to confirm the diagnosis, such as ultrasound or MRI scans.

Key Points

• Imaging examinations, particularly x-rays, are commonly used to diagnose calcific tendinitis.
• A thorough physical examination by a healthcare professional is also essential in diagnosing calcific tendinitis.
• Additional imaging studies such as ultrasound or MRI may be ordered to confirm the diagnosis.

References

[1] MS Kim (2020) - CLINICAL EVALUATION [3] Aug 23, 2022 - The diagnosis of calcifying tendinitis is made from standard shoulder radiographs

Treatment Options for Calcific Tendinitis

Calcific tendinitis can be treated with various medications and procedures to alleviate pain and inflammation. Here are some common drug treatment options:

• Steroid Injections: Steroid injections, such as cortisone, can be administered directly into the affected area to reduce inflammation and relieve pain [1].
• Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): NSAIDs, like ibuprofen or naproxen, can help manage pain and inflammation associated with calcific tendinitis [1].
• Disodium EDTA: Disodium EDTA has been shown to be a safe and effective treatment for calcific tendinitis of the shoulder, leading to significant improvements in symptoms [6].

Additional Treatment Options

In addition to medication, other treatments may include:

• Physical Therapy: Physical therapy can help improve range of motion and reduce pain associated with calcific tendinitis.
• Ultrasound-Guided Needle Lavage: This procedure involves injecting a solution into the affected area under ultrasound guidance to help break up calcium deposits.

Important Considerations

It's essential to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the best course of treatment for individual cases of calcific tendinitis. They can help weigh the benefits and risks of each treatment option and develop a personalized plan.

References:

[1] MS Kim, "Treatment of Calcific Tendinitis," 2020 [2] [6] A Cacchio, "Disodium EDTA for the Management of Calcific Tendinitis of the Shoulder," 2009 [7]

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Differential Diagnosis of Calcific Tendinitis

Calcific tendinitis, also known as calcifying tendinitis, is a condition characterized by the deposition of calcium crystals in or around tendons. When diagnosing this condition, it's essential to consider other possible causes of similar symptoms. Here are some differential diagnoses for calcific tendinitis:

• Incidental calcification: This is a common finding in healthy shoulders, with an incidence rate ranging from 2.5% to 20% [1,2].
• Degenerative rotator cuff tendons: Calcification can be found in degenerative rotator cuff tendons, which may mimic the symptoms of calcific tendinitis [1].
• Rotator cuff tear: A torn rotator cuff can cause similar pain and limited mobility to calcific tendinitis.
• Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis): This condition is characterized by stiffness and pain in the shoulder joint, which may be mistaken for calcific tendinitis.
• Subacromial bursitis: Inflammation of the subacromial bursa can cause pain and limited mobility in the shoulder, similar to calcific tendinitis.
• Shoulder arthritis: Osteoarthritis or other forms of arthritis in the shoulder joint can cause symptoms similar to calcific tendinitis.

It's crucial for healthcare professionals to consider these differential diagnoses when evaluating patients with suspected calcific tendinitis. A thorough medical history, physical examination, and imaging studies (such as X-rays) can help differentiate between these conditions [3].

References:

[1] Aug 23, 2022 — Diagnostic Considerations · Dystrophic calcification. [2] Nov 16, 2024 — Differential diagnosis. [3] Aug 23, 2022 — The diagnosis of calcifying tendinitis is made from standard radiographs.