Diagnosis and Treatment
Procedures
A doctor may administer cortisone injections for relief of pain and swelling, and may also perform “needling,” breaking up the painful tissue inside the joint under local anesthetic. For some cases, surgery may be necessary. Arthroscopic surgery may be recommended by your physician to assess the extent of the injury and remove calcium deposits. Other procedures to correct pre-existing conditions may be undertaken simultaneously.

Medications
Possible medications include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications such as aspirin and ibuprofen.

Prevention
Since overhead sports and job activities contribute to shoulder conditions such as impingement or bursitis, which may aggravate or worsen calcific tendonitis, such activities should be avoided. Gradually working up toward higher degrees of activity or higher weight while weightlifting will give your shoulder time to adapt, and therefore, prevent injury.

Last updated: 01-Jan-00