Calcific Tendonitis
July 10, 2007
What is calcific tendonitis? The condition known as calcific tendonitis occurs when a small (1-2cm) calcium deposit is formed inside the tendons of the rotator cuffs. These calcium deposits are mainly found in patients whose ages range from between 30-40 years old. They usually have a higher incidence in diabetes. The calcium deposits that are formed are not always painful for the patient therefore making it harder to know if you have the tendonitis. Even when the deposits are painful, the outcome is that it is usually all fine and the deposits will be gone after about 1-4 weeks. If the deposits though do not go away, in a very good timely fashion, it would be a good idea to see a doctor so he can help you clear this small but important problem.
What are the causes of calcific tendonitis?
The causes of the calcium deposits that are within the rotator cuff tendon are not yet understood. There have been lots of different ideas suggested, that included blood supply and the aging of the tendon, but there was no such evidence to support the conclusions and at the present time there is no clear explanation of how it occurs.
The Cause of calcium deposits within the rotator cuff tendon is not entirely understood. Different ideas have been suggested, including blood supply and aging of the tendon, but the evidence to support these conclusions is not clear.
How does calcific tendonitis progress?
There is usually no surgery to resolve the calcific tendonitis. It usually progresses quickly, and eventually sorts itself out with time. Precalcification Stage
At this stage of the injury, patients do not have any symptoms. Around about this time, the place where the calcifications tend to develop will undergo cellular changes that predispose the tissues and develop calcium deposits. Calcific Stage At this stage of the injury, the calcium is taken from cells and then coalesces into calcium deposits. The calcium looks chalky at first, because it is not a solid piece of the bone. As soon as the calcification has formed, the resting phase can begin. This is not a painful period and can last as short as possible or as long as possible. After the resting has taken place, a resorptive phase can begin, and this is the most painful part of the calcific tendonitis. Through this resorptive phase, the deposit of calcium looks similar to toothpaste.
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