What is a Calcific Tendinopathy?

Calcific tendinopathy, also known as calcific tendinitis, is characterised by sudden onset, severe pain in the shoulder that can refer down the arm and wakes you at night. It normally starts for no apparent reason and causes severe restriction to movement in all directions.

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What is calcific tendinopathy (also known as calcific tendinitis)?

Calcific tendinopathy, also known as calcific tendinitis, is characterised by sudden onset, severe pain in the shoulder that can refer down the arm and wakes you at night. It normally starts for no apparent reason and causes severe restriction to movement in all directions. Calcific tendinopathy most commonly occurs in the supraspinatus tendon. It is diagnosed using an ultrasound scan. You do not need an MRI or x-ray. Calcific tendinopathy is best managed with rest and anti-inflammatories,  If the pain does not settle, an ultrasound-guided injection and/or barbotage and lavage procedure are a very effective treatment options.

What are the symptoms of calcific tendinopathy?

The symptoms of calcific tendinopathy are:

• Sudden onset, severe pain in the shoulder and into the arm
• Pain that causes significant reduction in movement and inability to move the arm
• Pain that is worse in the mornings and wakes you at night

If this sounds like your pain, read on…

What other conditions can mimic calcific tendinopathy

If this does not sound like your pain there are other conditions that can mimic the pain of calcific tendinopathy such as:

1. acromio-clavicular (AC) joint osteoarthritis
2. frozen shoulder
3. shoulder impingement
4. rotator cuff pain
5. sub-acromial bursitis
6. shoulder joint osteoarthritis

Calcific tendinopathy versus frozen shoulder?

Calcific tendinopathy is more common in the younger age groups, classically 20–40 years old, whereas frozen shoulder presents almost exclusively in those between 40-60 years old. Both calcific tendinopathy and frozen shoulder cause severe pain, particularly at night, and an associated reduction in arm movements. Calcific tendinopathy has a sudden, acute onset whereas frozen shoulder develops over a longer period of time.