are calcium deposits painful
Calcific tendinitis (also called calcific tendinopathy) happens when calcium builds up in the tendons. It is most common in the shoulders. But it may occur in the elbows, wrists, hands, hips, knees, or feet. People most affected by calcific tendinitis are between 30 and 50 years old. The cause of calcium deposits within the rotator cuff tendon (calcific tendonitis) is not entirely understood. Different ideas have been suggested, including blood supply and ageing of the tendon, but the evidence to support these conclusions is not clear. Calcific Stage. During this stage, the calcium is excreted from cells and then coalesces into calcium deposits. When seen, the calcium looks chalky, it is not a solid piece of bone. Once the calcification has formed, a so-called resting phase begins, this is not a painful period and may last a varied length of time. Regardless, in most cases, these calcium deposits do not cause any trouble and they do not need to be treated. Sometimes they may be a source of pain; in these cases, it is not a bad idea to discuss potential treatment with a doctor who, generally, should be an orthopedic specialist. Please talk to a doctor soon. Chronic (repeated or long-standing) inflammation of the bursa (bursitis) can lead to calcification of the bursa. This is referred to as calcific bursitis.. The calcium deposits (calcification) can occur as long as the inflammation is present and remain after it has resolved. Calcific bursitis occurs most commonly at the shoulder (in the bursa adjacent to the rotator cuff tendons) or hip (in the bursa at the greater trochanter). Calcium deposits can occur pretty much anywhere in the body, generally overlying a bony surface, such as, in your case, the wrist or your collarbone. Although a common assumption is that the calcium deposits much be related to getting too much calcium in your diet, this is actually not the case. If your doctor suggests removing the calcium deposit, you have a few options: 1  A specialist can numb the area and use ultrasound imaging to guide needles to the deposit. 2  Shock wave therapy can be done. 3  The calcium deposits can be removed with an arthroscopic surgery called debridement (say dih-BREED-munt). If your doctor suggests removing the calcium deposit, you have a few options: A specialist can numb the area and use ultrasound imaging to guide needles to the deposit. The deposit is loosened, and most of it is sucked out with the needle. Your body may absorb some of the rest of the calcium. Treatment of the inflammation of calcific bursitis can help to prevent further calcification as well as relieve pain and stiffness. Treatments include medications for inflammation, cold packs, immobilization, injections of cortisone into the bursa, physical therapy, and occasionally surgery to remove the inflamed bursa and calcium deposit. Calcific Tendonitis. Calcific tendonitis refers to a build-up of calcium in the rotator cuff (calcific deposit). When calcium builds up in the tendon, it can cause a build up of pressure in the tendon, as well causing a chemical irritation. This leads to pain. The pain can be extremely intense.
No, calcium deposits do not cause any trouble and they do not need to be treated.