Perhaps you have been diagnosed with calcifications on your shoulder, or you know someone who has this condition, and you are wondering what it is and why it appears. It is a consequence of metabolic disease in which the body has difficulties processing calcium, an element necessary to keep bones strong, allow muscle mobility, or create platelets. When we suffer some alteration in the metabolism that prevents us from processing it, we can find ourselves in a situation of over calcification in somebody’s regions since calcium is located and accumulates in parts of it.
One of the most common areas of calcium accumulation is the shoulders. In this FastlyHealarticle, we are going to learn about the causes and treatment of calcifications on the shoulder, as well as its symptoms.
Table of Contents
Causes of calcifications on the shoulder
We have already explained that calcifications in tendons or bones, whether in the shoulder or elsewhere in the body, accumulate calcium in a specific area due to the non-metabolism of this mineral throughout our body.
The most common area of the arm that tends to calcify is the shoulder, where there is a tendon, the rotator cuff, which is a tissue that connects the muscle with the bone and that, with calcification, becomes a rigid area and complex. In contrast, it would have to be elastic and with some flexibility. This can produce long episodes of pain and discomfort. Next, we are going to know the causes of calcification in the shoulder:
- Hypercalcemia: blood disorder in which the levels of calcium in the blood are much higher than usual because there is a metabolic problem that does not allow good absorption of this; it can be produced by a dysfunction of the thyroid glands, by the use of certain medications such as lithium or from taking dietary supplements.
- Age: from the age of 50, there is a regression of the body and the primary functions of our body. Tendon tissue degeneration occurs naturally and in a slow and processed manner. There is also a deterioration in blood circulation and its operations and, consequently, difficulty in processing certain elements such as calcium, leading to its placement in somebody regions, such as on the shoulders.
- Autoimmune disorders: autoimmune diseases directly affect the immune system, attacking the cells that are healthy in our body. Some of these disorders can directly affect the hormone responsible for the transformation and absorption of calcium, parathyroid hormone.
- Genetics: If a family history has suffered from this disease, we may have a genetic predisposition to this disease.
- Abuse of toxic substances: the abuse of alcohol or other substances that are harmful to our body can cause blood problems and in the parathyroid gland responsible for metabolizing calcium with the secretion of parathyroid hormone.
- Inadequate diet: an excess of foods high in calcium can also contribute to this ailment since our body may not be able to accept such amounts and, consequently, it begins to accumulate in the arm or shoulder area.
- Repeated trauma: one of the most common causes is the repetition of trauma to the area and using it in a forced and repetitive way. In other words, if we constantly make a gesture that involves effort in the area, the tendon is worn away, which our body tries to rectify with the inclusion of calcium in it. This can lead to its excessive calcification produced as a method of defense of our own body.
- Sedentary life: on the other hand, we have the opposite condition, an inactive lifestyle or lack of movement. Not doing physical exercise and staying in a state of non-movement can cause calcification in the shoulder since its function is not fulfilled and excess calcium is not used.
Symptoms of calcification on the shoulder
Here are the known symptoms that may indicate that you are suffering from calcification in the shoulder:
- Pain in the bones in the area, feeling of heaviness.
- Difficulty mobilizing the joint.
- Deformities in the sites where calcification occurs can create small bumps or noticeable bone spurs under the skin. They differ from tumors by their hard consistency and by not moving.
- I am noticing an excess of tartar on the teeth results from calcification in any part of the body.
- Cramps, punctures, and lack of strength due to the area with a strange occupation that generates pressure on the bones and muscles.
Treatment of calcifications on the shoulder
If you think that you may suffer calcifications on your shoulder, you must visit your doctor so that he can analyze your case and recommend a suitable and successful treatment for you. Here, we present the most common treatments:
- Drugs: these can be immunosuppressive, anti-inflammatory and analgesic. Infiltrations can also be done to reduce pain or promote calcium absorption.
- Surgical operation: An extraction, filing, or small incisions can be carried out in needing surgical intervention.
- Physiotherapy: through sessions that try to promote movement, perform electric shocks and keep muscles and joints elastic, we can achieve notable improvements.
- Alternative therapies: some people consider that alternative therapies such as acupuncture, osteopathy, or homeopathy can help in these cases.
- Dietary changes: making specific adaptations in our diet can be one of the treatments for calcifications; stopping taking dairy and meat products, blocking taking food supplements, or increasing the doses of water can be some of the recommendations we make.
This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to Calcifications on the shoulder: causes and treatment , we recommend that you enter our category of Bones, joints and muscles .
I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.