Calcific tendonitis results from the inflammation and calcification of tendons around a joint. A tendon is a band of strong fibrous tissue forming the end of the muscle that attaches the muscle to bone. Injury, trauma, or stress to parts of the body where muscles and tendons are important to function can cause calcific tendonitis. It often occurs in the tendons of the shoulder joints, but tendons of any joint may be involved in such a process. Calcification is the process by which fibers of a tendon become hardened by a deposit of calcium salts, causing inflammation.
Calcific tendonitis can be mild or severe.
The health care provider will examine you and review your symptoms. Your provider will also order x-rays. Put ice packs on the joint for 20 to 30 minutes every 3 to 4 hours. Do the exercises prescribed by your health care provider to keep the joint moving. Avoid activities that make the problem worse.