Calcification is the process of calcium salts depositing in joints and soft tissues. This condition can progress, forming denser calcium deposits that provoke tears in tissues and lead to immobilization.
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Calcification is the process of calcium salts depositing in joints and soft tissues. This condition can progress, forming denser calcium deposits that provoke tears in tissues and lead to immobilization.
Calcification is the deposition of calcium salts in soft tissues where they are normally absent: in tendons, ligaments, joint capsules, and the bursae around joints. The hardened areas restrict movement and cause pain, especially under load, and sometimes do not cause any trouble for a long time. They are often noticed by chance on an ultrasound or X-ray.
In brief:
At CSM Clinic in Kyiv, an orthopedic trauma specialist sees patients, and shockwave therapy is performed when indicated.
Calcification is the process of calcium salts depositing in joints and soft tissues. This condition can progress, forming denser calcium deposits that provoke tears in tissues and lead to immobilization.
Calcified deposits arise as a result of a long-standing, neglected metabolic disorder. Ideally, the lymphatic system should remove calcium deposits and eliminate them from the body. In practice, the body may not cope with this task.
The danger of calcification is that it leads to micro-tears of the tendons. Such injuries can lead to complete tendon ruptures under load on the joint. Metabolic disorders can have different causes, and to avoid worsening the disease, it is important to pay attention to lifestyle, nutrition, and accompanying diseases.
Book an appointment: Orthopedic Trauma Specialist Consultation in Kyiv
The doctors at CSM are always ready to help. We set the BTL-6000 SWT Power device, with a 1.5 cm applicator head, to a frequency of 10 Hz and a pressure of 2.5 bar, to gently work on breaking down the calcified deposits that have formed in the tissues over a course of 6-8 procedures. Over the first 5 procedures, the calcium deposits may be gradually broken down and eliminated from the body. Then, 1-3 procedures follow to improve tissue regeneration. The tendons should recover from the micro-tears that have formed.
Shockwave therapy works on calcium deposits by "breaking them up" and stimulating metabolism to remove calcium salts from the body. In this way, over a couple of months the tendons may recover, tissues are strengthened, the capillary network grows in, and metabolic processes normalize.
Most often it is pain at a specific point during movement or strain, stiffness, and a feeling that the joint "catches." The pain may get worse at night or after exertion. In some people, calcium deposits show no symptoms and are found by chance on an image.
For joint or tendon pain, see an orthopedic trauma specialist. They will examine you, order an ultrasound or X-ray, and select treatment. If needed, they involve a physical rehabilitation specialist.
Usually both methods are used. An X-ray shows dense calcium deposits well, while ultrasound shows the condition of the tendon around them and fiber tears. Which method is needed in your case is decided by the doctor after an examination.
Sometimes small deposits gradually decrease without intervention, but you should not count on this. If the pain recurs or limits movement, it is better to get examined and not wait until the tissues are damaged.
These are different conditions treated by different doctors. Calcification of blood vessels and heart valves is assessed by a cardiologist. This article is about calcium deposits in tendons, ligaments, and joints, which are handled by an orthopedic trauma specialist.
Shockwave therapy is not performed, in particular, during pregnancy, with inflammation or infection in the treatment area, with blood clotting disorders, or with tumors in that area. The full list of contraindications and whether the procedure is possible are determined by the doctor at the appointment.