Calcium Deposits
When patients complain of pain in a joint, an x-ray may show the presence of calcium deposits, bone spurs or osteoarthritis. Such a diagnosis is a description of the current condition of the tissues or joint, but it doesn’t explain why one particular part of the body is involved.
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Calcium deposits, in the absence of systemic disease, are the body’s response to stress on a tendon or ligament over a period of time. This is what leads to the formation of heel spurs, for example. The buildup of calcium is a result of the condition, rather than the cause of pain.
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Osteoarthritis is a deterioration of cartilage and buildup of bony tissue at an area of stress. All of these situations result from abnormal wear and tear.
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It’s important to emphasize that calcium deposits in a muscle or a joint are not an indication of too much calcium in the diet. Calcium which is laid down in soft tissues as a result of stress or strain comes from the diet, from body reserves or, if necessary, from the bones themselves.
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When there are calcium deposits in a joint or osteoarthritis is present, the cause of the problem can often be found in an imbalance in the body structure. The most common problems arise from spinal misalignment or an imbalance in movement of the pelvic joints. This can cause calcium buildup or wear and tear in the shoulders, hips, knees, ankles and feet.
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Often, correcting the spinal imbalances can relieve the pain associated with calcium deposits in the shoulder, hip or knee, heel spurs, or osteoarthritis. A chiropractor can determine whether you have a condition of the spine or other joints which should be corrected and which may be the cause of pain and abnormal function. For more information, contact our office.