Calcinosis
What is Calcinosis?
Calcinosis is a condition characterized by the deposition of calcium deposits in the skin and deeper tissues. Although it can affect any part of the body, the most common areas affected are around joints and tendons. It is believed to be an autoimmune disorder and is caused by an accumulation of calcium, usually near the joints and tendons that develop over time. Symptomatically, Calcinosis is commonly characterized by tenderness, inflammation, and/or swelling of the affected areas.
Types of Calcinosis
There are two main types of calcinosis, localized and systemic:
- Localized calcinosis is usually limited to one area of the body and is not associated with any underlying illnesses.
- Systemic calcinosis is usually associated with an underlying medical condition. Examples of underlying medical conditions associated with systemic calcinosis are kidney failure, i diabetes, and certain types of cancer.
Symptoms of Calcinosis
The most common symptom of calcinosis is the formation of tender, hard-to-touch calcium deposits in the affected area. Often times, these deposits may ulcerate and cause pain, swelling, redness, itching, and sometimes even bleeding. Other symptoms of calcinosis may include:
- Painful lesions
- Difficulty moving the affected joints
- Stiffness and muscle cramps
- Discoloration of the affected skin (may be pale or bluish in color)
- Redness and warmth of the skin surrounding the calcium deposit
- Tenderness
- Itching
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Fatigue
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of calcinosis begins with a physical examination. Your doctor may inspect any lesions on the skin to assess their size, shape, and color. Your doctor may also take a tissue sample (biopsy) and send it to a laboratory for analysis. Additionally, your doctor may request imaging tests such as X-rays, MRI, or CT scans to determine the extent of calcium deposits.
Treatment of Calcinosis
The goal of treatment is to reduce inflammation and pain, and to reduce the size of the calcium deposits. Treatment options may include medications, topical creams/ointments, physical therapy, and surgery.
- Medications: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen may be prescribed to reduce inflammation and pain.
- Creams/Ointments: Your doctor may recommend a topical ointment or cream to reduce inflammation and pain.
- Physical Therapy: Your doctor may recommend physical therapy to help reduce swelling and strengthen the muscles around the affected area.
- Surgery: In rare cases, surgery may be necessary to remove larger calcium deposits.
Conclusion
Calcinosis is a condition characterized by the deposition of calcium deposits in the skin and deeper tissues. It is believed to be an autoimmune disorder and can have many underlying causes. The most common symptom is tender, hard-to-touch calcium deposits that may become irritated and cause pain, swelling, and redness. Treatment options include medications, topical creams/ointments, physical therapy, and surgery in extreme cases. It is important to speak with your doctor if you think you may have calcinosis.