Calcific tendinitis

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Calcific tendinitis

Calcific tendinitis (also called calcific tendinopathy) occurs when calcium builds up in the tendons. Tissue tears and natural tissue breakdown (degenerative changes) increase the chance of these deposits.

Calcific tendinitis is most common in the shoulders, but it may occur in the elbows, wrists, hands, hips, knees, or feet. Symptoms may include:

Pain and stiffness that often recur but usually last only 1 to 2 weeks.
Occasional locking of the joint or limited movement.
Pain that is often worse at night and may interfere with sleep.

Treatment includes rest, ice, medications to reduce pain and swelling, gentle range-of-motion exercises, and occasionally corticosteroid injections. If the calcium deposits are large, affect movement, or are persistently painful, they can be removed surgically (debridement).

Credits

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Author	Jeannette Curtis
Author	Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Editor	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS
Editor	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor	Tracy Landauer
Associate Editor	Pat Truman, MATC
Primary Medical Reviewer	Patrice Burgess, MD - Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer	Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Last Updated	May 25, 2007

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Last updated:	May 25, 2007
Author:	Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Reviewed By:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman, MATC

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