The rotator cuff in the shoulder is a group of four muscles and tendons that support and provide movement for the arm and shoulder joint. Rotator cuff calcific tendonitis is a common shoulder condition that can cause shoulder joint pain. Dr. Steven Struhl at Shoulders & Knees offers rotator cuff calcific tendonitis treatment at his clinics in NYC and Westchester, NY.
Rotator cuff calcific tendonitis is most common in adults 40 years of age or older. This condition occurs when calcium deposits collect in the tendons of the rotator cuff. The exact cause of calcium in the tendons is not known, but theories suggest it occurs due to a lack of blood flow or degeneration of the tendon. The calcium deposits can occur without causing symptoms. In the early stages, many people with calcific tendonitis do not have any pain or symptoms. When the body attempts to absorb the calcium, this can cause an inflammatory response, resulting in shoulder and arm pain. If the tendons are inflamed, the pain may worsen when lifting the affected arm overhead.
Removing Rotator Cuff Calcium Deposits
The best treatment to relieve pain and inflammation caused by rotator cuff calcific tendonitis is to remove the calcium deposits from the affected tendons. There are non-surgical and surgical options for rotator cuff calcific tendonitis treatment. Steroid injections can help relieve inflammation and pain, and some calcium deposits can be removed with image-guided needle aspiration. If the calcium is solid, it may require arthroscopic surgery to remove and prevent further aggravation of the affected tendons in the rotator cuff.
Rotator cuff calcific tendonitis symptoms can occur suddenly or worsen over time. If you have shoulder pain and need a diagnosis or you have been diagnosed with rotator cuff calcific tendonitis and need treatment, contact us at Shoulders & Knees. We can schedule an appointment with Dr. Struhl for an evaluation of your painful shoulder condition.
