Calcification in the shoulder – a cause of severe shoulder pain and how it is treated

Shoulder pain is a common problem that can significantly hinder everyday activities such as lifting the arm, getting dressed, or sleeping on the affected side. One of the common causes of these difficulties is calcific deposit in the shoulder, a condition in which calcium deposits accumulate in the shoulder tendons.

Although calcific deposit can develop without symptoms, in certain stages it can cause sudden and very severe pain. Timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment are key to relieving symptoms and restoring normal shoulder function.

What is a calcific deposit in the shoulder?

A calcific deposit in the shoulder occurs when calcium deposits build up in the tendons of the rotator cuff. The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that stabilizes the shoulder joint and enables arm movements.

These calcium deposits can cause inflammation and irritation of the surrounding structures, leading to pain and reduced shoulder mobility.

Calcific deposits most commonly occur in people between the ages of 30 and 60, and they are more common in women than in men.

Symptoms of calcific deposit in the shoulder

Symptoms may vary depending on the size of the calcific deposit and the degree of inflammation. The most common signs include:

Severe shoulder pain
Pain is the most common symptom and can be very intense. It often worsens when lifting the arm or during the night.

Limited mobility
People with a calcific deposit often have difficulty lifting the arm above the head or performing everyday movements.

Pain radiating down the arm
In some cases, pain may spread from the shoulder toward the upper arm.

Night pain
Many patients notice that the pain is more pronounced during the night, especially when lying on the affected shoulder.

Why does a calcific deposit develop in the shoulder?

The exact cause of calcific deposits is not always known, but various factors are believed to influence its development:

• repetitive shoulder movements
• degenerative tendon changes
• reduced blood supply to the tendons
• long-term strain on the shoulder

A calcific deposit can develop gradually and is often discovered only when it starts causing pain.

How is a calcific deposit in the shoulder diagnosed?

Diagnosis begins with a clinical examination during which the doctor assesses shoulder mobility and the intensity of the pain.

To confirm the diagnosis, imaging tests are most commonly used, such as:

• X-ray imaging of the shoulder
• shoulder ultrasound
• magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

An X-ray image most often clearly shows calcium deposits in the tendons.

Treatment of calcific deposit in the shoulder

The goal of treatment is to reduce pain, eliminate inflammation, and restore shoulder mobility.

Conservative treatment
In many cases, a calcific deposit can be treated without surgery. The most common methods include:

• physical therapy
• exercises to strengthen the shoulder muscles
• anti-inflammatory medications
• shockwave therapy

These methods can help reduce pain and stimulate the breakdown of calcium deposits.

Injection therapy
In certain cases, the doctor may recommend injections that reduce inflammation and pain in the joint.

Surgical treatment
If conservative treatment does not produce results, surgical removal of the calcific deposit may be considered, most often using an arthroscopic method.

When should you see a doctor?

If you experience prolonged or sudden severe shoulder pain, difficulty lifting the arm, or night pain that wakes you from sleep, a medical examination is recommended.

Early detection of a calcific deposit enables faster and more effective treatment.

Conclusion

A calcific deposit in the shoulder is a common cause of severe shoulder pain and reduced arm mobility. Although it can cause very unpleasant symptoms, with timely diagnosis and appropriate therapy it is possible to successfully relieve the difficulties and restore normal joint function.

Book an appointment today and discover the cause of your shoulder pain in time.

Author: Martin Drinković, MD