Rotator Cuff Calcific Tendonitis
Rotator Cuff Calcific Tendonitis is a common disorder of the rotator cuff and accounts for approximately 10% of all shoulder pain complaints. The pain can be excruciating, one of the worst kinds of shoulder pain. The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles around the shoulder joint which are connected to the humerus (the larger bone of the upper arm) by tendons (tendons attach muscles to bone). When calcium, (approximately 1-2 centimetres in size) builds up within the tendons of the rotator cuff, chemical irritation and a build up of pressure in the tendons occurs, causing inflammation, pain and restricted mobility of the shoulder. This condition is most common in adults in their forties.
Cause or Possible Risk Factors
- Severe wear and tear are involved in degenerative calcification
- Delayed healing
- Age-related changes in the tendons appear to play a role as calcium deposits are rare in people under the age of thirty
Symptoms
- Exquisite constant, severe and achy shoulder pain that can radiate to the neck and down the arm
- Shoulder pain at night that disrupts sleep
- Tenderness over rotator cuff
- Stiffness of shoulder
- Patients with calcific tendonitis usually do not recall any shoulder injury or shoulder trauma. They usually note that the pain simply started one day without cause and effect.
- While the calcium is being deposited, only mild to moderate pain may be felt or even no pain at all
- Intense pain with shoulder movement
- Loss of shoulder range of motion
- Sudden onset of pain
- Loss of muscle
For more information on the conditions we treat and services we offer, or to book an appointment please call us on 416 489 5313 (Finch) / 416 604 4404 (Jane) or email us at info@physiowell.ca.
