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Calcific tendonitis
Hydroxyapatite deposition disease (HADD) is a condition characterised by calcium deposits in the shoulder that causes pain and inflammation.
What is calcific tendonitis?
Calcific tendonitis occurs in the tendons of the rotator cuff. The condition occurs when calcium deposits form on the tendons of your shoulder. The tissue around the deposits can become inflamed, causing significant shoulder pain. This condition is fairly common and mostly affects people over the age of 40.
Need to know
Symptoms change depending on the stage at which you are at in the development of the condition. These might include:
- mild to moderate pain while the calcium is being deposited
- significant pain when the deposits are reabsorbed into the tendons of your shoulder
- stiffness in the shoulder and difficulty raising your arm
- interrupted sleep as a consequence of the pain
Your consultant will take your medical history and conduct a physical examination of your shoulder. Imaging tests may be required to confirm calcific tendonitis . These might include:
- X-rays to identify the exact location of any calcium deposits in your shoulder
- an ultrasound scan to identify the presence of calcium deposits
- Your consultant may need to take multiple X-rays over a period of time to check the development of the condition and determine whether surgery is necessary.
- Anti-inflammatory medication for mild to moderate pain. If the pain is acute your consultant may recommend a steroid injection (cortisone). Resting the arm and shoulder is also advised.
- Shockwave therapy. This involves using high energy sound or pressure waves, which can alter the pain while the deposits are reabsorbed. -
- Barbotage. This involves removing a deposit by sucking it into a syringe with ultrasound guidance. You may also need surgery, usually arthroscopy. A small incision is made in the shoulder, before a tiny camera and surgical instrument is inserted to remove the deposits. This is more likely with large deposits that have damaged the rotator cuff tendons.
Patient stories
Yvette's story: From back pain to hip replacement surgery
Yvette (54) a journalist from Kent, started experiencing pain in her hip seven years ago in 2015. An ex-national gymnast who had been incredibly active and flexible her whole life, Yvette felt concerned about the growing discomfort impacting her quality of life, and so sought help from her GP.
A new hip and straight back into the spin of things
David’s gym video shows him repeatedly pushing up to 100kg on a single leg press – not particularly unusual for this keen cyclist, former competitive squash player and all-round fitness enthusiast. What is unusual is that 52-year-old David had hip surgery just 12 weeks earlier.
Michael's MAKO hip surgery to treat his arthritis
73 year-old Michael, an avid walker and charity worker, was diagnosed with arthritis in January 2021. After facing long waiting times and increasing pain that was becoming more frequent, he started to look elsewhere for treatment.
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.