Calcific tendonitis is a painful condition in which calcium deposits accumulate in the tendons near the shoulder joint. The condition can be debilitating and affect quality of life, making it seem like you cannot live a long life with calcific tendonits. One of the most common questions people ask about calcific tendonitis is whether it hurts when resting. In this blog post, we will explore this question and provide context for how to manage the symptoms of calcific tendonitis.
To begin understanding whether calcific tendonitis hurts when resting it is important to know that the condition is highly variable. Some people experience constant calcific tendonitis pain while others only feel pain during certain movements or activities. As well, some people experience calcific tendonitis pain at night while others don’t. Additionally, the severity of the calcium deposits can vary from person to person. In some cases, they may be small and cause minimal discomfort while in others they can become quite large and cause significant pain.
Despite this variability it is generally true that calcific tendonitis can cause pain even when resting. This is because the calcium deposits can irritate the surrounding tendons causing inflammation and discomfort. Additionally, the tendons themselves may become weak and damaged over time leading to chronic pain, making it seem like you will have calcific tendonitis for the rest of your life. In some cases, the pain can be worse at night when lying down, as the weight of the arm can exacerbate the pressure on the affected area.
If you are experiencing pain related to calcific tendonitis, it is important to seek treatment from a qualified healthcare professional, such as a chiropractor or physiotherapist. These professionals can help you manage your symptoms and develop a treatment plan that works for your specific needs, especially if your are struggling to rid your calcific tendonitis on its own. In most cases, treatment will involve a combination of rest, physiotherapy exercises, and pain management techniques.
One thing to keep in mind is that resting too much may not be the best solution for calcific tendonitis. While it is important to avoid activities that exacerbate your symptoms, prolonged periods of inactivity can actually make the condition worse. This is because keeping the affected joint immobilized can cause the surrounding muscles to weaken and the tendons to become less flexible. As a result, your pain may increase over time instead of getting better.
One effective treatment for calcific tendonitis is called extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT). This treatment involves using high-energy sound waves to break up the calcium deposits in the tendons, which can help reduce inflammation and improve range of motion. ESWT is non-invasive and can be performed on an outpatient basis, making it a convenient option for many people.
Calcific tendonitis can be a painful and frustrating condition, but with the right treatment and management, it is possible to find relief. Whether you are experiencing pain while resting or during certain activities, seeking treatment from a physiotherapist or chiropractor is key. Through a combination of physiotherapy, pain management techniques, and potentially advanced treatments like ESWT, you can reduce your symptoms and regain your quality of life.
Remember, staying active and engaging in regular exercise can also help prevent future flare-ups of calcific tendonitis, so don’t be afraid to get moving!
If you have any questions or would like to explore further, please book a free, no-charge online appointment with either myself, Nitin Nair, BPT, R/TRO DIP, PT, or another Kitchener physiotherapist at CARESPACE. We are happy to listen and are here to help!
