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Contents
  • What is Calcific Tendinopathy?
  • Phases and Symptoms
  • Diagnosis and Misdiagnosis

What is Calcific Tendinopathy and How Does It Affect Your Shoulder?

What is Calcific Tendinopathy and How Does It Affect Your Shoulder?

Why It Matters

Calcific tendinopathy is a mysterious shoulder condition that causes pain and can disrupt daily activities. Understanding its phases and symptoms can help manage its impact on your life.
Contents
  • What is Calcific Tendinopathy?
  • Phases and Symptoms
  • Diagnosis and Misdiagnosis

What is Calcific Tendinopathy?

Calcific tendinopathy involves calcium deposits forming in the shoulder tendons, leading to pain and limited movement. The exact cause is unknown, but it is not typically linked to injury or overuse. Women aged 40-60 are most commonly affected, and it can be associated with conditions like diabetes.

Phases and Symptoms

The condition progresses through four phases: formative, resting, resorptive, and post-calcific. Symptoms vary by phase, with pain being a common issue, especially at night or during overhead activities. Acute flare-ups can occur, causing sudden and intense shoulder pain.
Calcific tendinopathy is characterized by calcium deposits in shoulder tendons, leading to pain and reduced mobility. It affects primarily women aged 40-60 and is sometimes linked to conditions like diabetes.

Diagnosis and Misdiagnosis

Diagnosing calcific tendinopathy involves imaging techniques like X-rays and ultrasounds to spot calcium deposits. Misdiagnosis can happen as symptoms may resemble other shoulder issues like rotator cuff tears or frozen shoulder.

FAQs

What causes calcific tendinopathy?

The exact cause is unknown, but it often affects healthy tendons without trauma.

Who is most affected by calcific tendinopathy?

Women between 40 and 60 years old are most commonly affected.

Can calcific tendinopathy resolve on its own?

Yes, many cases resolve over time or with conservative treatment.

What are common symptoms?

Pain, especially during overhead movements and at night, is most common.

Key Takeaways

Understanding calcific tendinopathy's phases can help manage its symptoms effectively.
Consider discussing your symptoms with Doctronic for personalized advice.
Additional References
  1. Uhthoff HK, Loehr JW. Calcific Tendinopathy of the Rotator Cuff: Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, and Management. J Am Acad Orthop Surg 1997; 5:183.
  2. Hackett L, Millar NL, Lam P, Murrell GA. Are the Symptoms of Calcific Tendinitis Due to Neoinnervation and/or Neovascularization? J Bone Joint Surg Am 2016; 98:186.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic.