Rotator Cuff Calcific Tendinitis
Rotator cuff calcific tendinitis, frequently referred to as rotator cuff calcification is a unique disorder that seemingly affects only the tendons of the rotator cuff muscles. It is regarded as the most painful problem to affect the shoulder. It is a condition that is strongly associated with rotator cuff tendonitis but it has different causes and treatments.
Calcific tendinitis is a build-up of calcium in a tendon, known as a calcific deposit. When this occurs it causes inflammation, a build up of pressure and causes a chemical irritation. This, in turn, results in pain and as stated earlier the pain experienced with calcific tendinitis can be intense.
A further complication is that the calcification process itself reduces the space between the tendon and the acromion. It is possible that subacromial impingement occurs as a result.
The Calcification process
There is a known cycle to the calcification process. There are three separate stages from beginning to end through which the condition progresses.
1. Pre calcification stage is symptom free - The area in which calcium will be deposited begins to undergo cellular changes.
2. Calcific stage, the most painful period - During this phase calcium is excreted from cells and forms into calcium deposit. This is not painful but when these deposits are reabsorbed this period is the most painful.
3. Post calcific stage - The calcific deposit disappears and is replaced by more normal tendon.
Causes
Why he whole calcification process occurs is still not well understood. Doctors and scientists can not agree on why the condition develops and why this condition only affects rotator cuff tendons.
The majority of theories put forward that calcification is caused by either a shortage of good blood flow to the tendon or increasing age. There is no authoritative scientific data to shore up either hypothesis.
Treatment
Treatment of rotator cuff calcific tendonitis employs the same basic methods as the treatment of tendonitis i.e.
1. RICE
2. Anti Inflammatory and pain relieving medication.
3. Physiotherapy exercises
Should the condition persist then additional consideration will be required. The alternative options available comprise
1. Cortisone injections to try to control the swelling and pain.
2. Ultrasound guided Lavage - Calcium deposit is injected with a salt water solution in an attempt to break it down.
3. Surgery to remove the calcium deposit.
Thankfully, rotator cuff calcific tendonitis is the least frequent of foremost conditions that affect the shoulder.
Calcific tendinitis is a build-up of calcium in a tendon, known as a calcific deposit. When this occurs it causes inflammation, a build up of pressure and causes a chemical irritation. This, in turn, results in pain and as stated earlier the pain experienced with calcific tendinitis can be intense.
A further complication is that the calcification process itself reduces the space between the tendon and the acromion. It is possible that subacromial impingement occurs as a result.
The Calcification process
There is a known cycle to the calcification process. There are three separate stages from beginning to end through which the condition progresses.
1. Pre calcification stage is symptom free - The area in which calcium will be deposited begins to undergo cellular changes.
2. Calcific stage, the most painful period - During this phase calcium is excreted from cells and forms into calcium deposit. This is not painful but when these deposits are reabsorbed this period is the most painful.
3. Post calcific stage - The calcific deposit disappears and is replaced by more normal tendon.
Causes
Why he whole calcification process occurs is still not well understood. Doctors and scientists can not agree on why the condition develops and why this condition only affects rotator cuff tendons.
The majority of theories put forward that calcification is caused by either a shortage of good blood flow to the tendon or increasing age. There is no authoritative scientific data to shore up either hypothesis.
Treatment
Treatment of rotator cuff calcific tendonitis employs the same basic methods as the treatment of tendonitis i.e.
1. RICE
2. Anti Inflammatory and pain relieving medication.
3. Physiotherapy exercises
Should the condition persist then additional consideration will be required. The alternative options available comprise
1. Cortisone injections to try to control the swelling and pain.
2. Ultrasound guided Lavage - Calcium deposit is injected with a salt water solution in an attempt to break it down.
3. Surgery to remove the calcium deposit.
Thankfully, rotator cuff calcific tendonitis is the least frequent of foremost conditions that affect the shoulder.
