From the Research
Oral steroids, such as prednisone, can be effective for treating calcific tendinitis, but their use should be cautious and limited due to potential side effects, and they should be combined with other treatments like physical therapy and rest for optimal results. The treatment of calcific tendinitis typically involves a combination of nonoperative interventions, including extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) and ultrasonography-guided needling (UGN), as well as surgical techniques for refractory cases 1. According to a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials, surgical treatment of chronic calcific tendonitis of the rotator cuff results in larger improvement in functional outcome scores and comparable pain reduction to nonoperative interventions, particularly UGN 1.
Some key points to consider when treating calcific tendinitis include:
- The use of oral steroids, such as prednisone, at a dose of 20-40mg daily for 7-14 days, often with a tapering schedule to prevent withdrawal symptoms [@Example@]
- The potential side effects of oral steroids, including increased blood sugar, mood changes, sleep disturbances, and stomach irritation, and the need to use them cautiously in patients with diabetes, hypertension, osteoporosis, or peptic ulcer disease [@Example@]
- The importance of combining oral steroids with other treatments, such as physical therapy, rest, and over-the-counter pain relievers, for optimal results [@Example@]
- The need for further treatment, such as ultrasound-guided needling or surgery, if symptoms persist despite conservative management 1, 2
It's also important to note that the treatment of calcific tendinitis should be individualized and based on the specific needs and circumstances of each patient, taking into account the stage of the disease, the presence of any underlying medical conditions, and the patient's overall health status 3, 4, 5.