What is Calcific Tendinitis?

Calcific tendinitis occurs when calcium deposits form inside your shoulder tendons, most often in the supraspinatus tendon. These deposits cause inflammation, pain, and stiffness, making it hard to move your arm or sleep comfortably.

It’s most common in people between 30 and 60 years of age, and it can happen without any injury.

Common Causes

The exact reason why calcium builds up in tendons isn’t always clear. However, it may be related to:

  • Wear and tear of tendons due to aging

  • Poor blood flow to the tendons

  • Repeated overhead activities or microtrauma

  • Hormonal or metabolic conditions (like diabetes or thyroid problems)

Symptoms to Watch For

  • Sudden or severe shoulder pain

  • Difficulty raising your arm or moving it freely

  • Pain that radiates down the arm

  • Pain that worsens at night or during rest

  • Stiffness or a catching sensation in the shoulder

Some people may go months without symptoms, only to suddenly feel intense pain when calcium deposits begin to break down.

How is it Diagnosed?

Your doctor might use:

  • X-rays to detect calcium deposits

  • Ultrasound to check the size and location

  • MRI to rule out other injuries like rotator cuff tears

Treatment Options

The good news? Most people recover without surgery. Here’s how it’s usually treated:

Non-Surgical Options:

  • Rest and avoiding painful activities

  • Pain relievers (NSAIDs)

  • Physical therapy to improve mobility

  • Corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation

  • Ultrasound-guided lavage (barbotage) to break up and remove calcium

  • Shockwave therapy to promote healing

When is Surgery Needed?

If the pain doesn’t go away after several months, your doctor may recommend arthroscopic surgery to remove the calcium deposits.

Recovery and Outlook

With proper care, most people feel better within 4–6 weeks. Complete healing can take a few months, depending on the size of the deposit and how your body responds to treatment.

Final Thoughts

Calcific tendinitis may sound scary, but it’s a treatable and temporary condition. Early diagnosis and the right treatment plan can help you return to your normal routine without long-term issues.

If you’re experiencing persistent shoulder pain, don’t ignore it — consult your orthopaedic specialist for a complete evaluation.