As an orthopedic surgeon, I frequently encounter patients dealing with calcific tendonitis—a painful and often perplexing condition affecting the shoulder. For many, the onset of intense shoulder pain, often without a clear cause, raises numerous questions and concerns. Understandably, patients want to know what has led to these calcium deposits and worry about the best course of action for relief. To help ease these concerns, I’d like to dispel some of the most common myths surrounding calcific tendonitis and shed light on what truly contributes to this condition and how it can be effectively treated.
Myth 1: High-Calcium Diets Cause Calcific Tendonitis
- Fact: Calcific tendonitis is not caused by dietary calcium intake. The calcium deposits forming in the tendons are due to local changes within the shoulder, influenced by factors like blood flow, tendon health, and localized tissue processes, not by the amount of calcium in the diet. So, while a balanced diet is beneficial for overall health, consuming calcium-rich foods does not contribute to the risk of developing calcific tendonitis.
Myth 2: It Only Affects Older Adults
- Fact: While calcific tendonitis is more common in individuals aged 30 to 50, it can occur in younger or older adults. Factors such as repetitive shoulder movement, metabolic disorders (like diabetes), and thyroid issues can increase the risk regardless of age. Age alone is not a determinant for developing calcific tendonitis.
Myth 3: Surgery is Necessary to Remove Calcium Deposits
- Fact: Surgery is rarely the first treatment option for calcific tendonitis. In fact, most cases improve with non-surgical methods such as physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, shockwave therapy, or ultrasound-guided needle lavage, which can break down or remove deposits effectively. Surgery is typically only considered for severe cases that do not respond to other treatments.
Myth 4: Once You Have Calcific Tendonitis, It Will Keep Coming Back
- Fact: Calcific tendonitis is often a self-limiting condition, meaning it tends to resolve on its own without recurring. Many people experience only one episode, and proper recovery and strengthening of the shoulder can reduce the risk of recurrence. Recurrence is uncommon once the calcium deposit has fully resolved.
Myth 5: High Blood Calcium Levels Cause Calcific Tendonitis
- Fact: Elevated blood calcium levels are unrelated to calcific tendonitis. The calcium deposits in calcific tendonitis are a local process within the tendon and are not influenced by blood calcium levels. People with normal blood calcium can still develop calcific tendonitis, as it is specific to changes within the shoulder.
Myth 6: Kidney Problems Contribute to Calcific Tendonitis
- Fact: Kidney function or the body’s ability to excrete calcium does not contribute to calcific tendonitis. Unlike kidney stones, which are tied to calcium excretion by the kidneys, calcific tendonitis occurs in the shoulder tendons due to localized changes. It’s independent of kidney health or calcium excretion issues.
Final Thoughts
Calcific tendonitis can be painful and confusing, especially with so many myths surrounding it. Understanding the facts can empower you to make informed decisions about managing the condition.
For more information on calcific tendonitis, visit my website’s dedicated section here.