Are calcium deposits treatable? Exploring your options

September 29, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the Cleveland Clinic, most calcium deposits cause no symptoms and are found incidentally during unrelated imaging tests. Fortunately, the question, Are calcium deposits treatable?, has a positive, though nuanced, answer.

Quick Summary

Many types of calcification can be effectively managed or treated, with options ranging from lifestyle changes and medication to non-invasive procedures or surgery, depending on the location and cause.

Key Points

Treatability Depends: Treatment for calcium deposits varies widely based on their location, size, and underlying cause, not on a single remedy.
Not All Deposits Are Problematic: Many calcifications, such as benign breast deposits, are harmless and require no treatment at all.
Diverse Treatment Options: Options range from non-invasive methods like physical therapy and medication to targeted procedures like shock wave therapy or surgery.
Lifestyle Changes are Key: For conditions like arterial calcification, adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle is a crucial management strategy.
Professional Guidance is Essential: A proper diagnosis from a healthcare provider is the only way to determine the best course of treatment for your specific situation.

What Are Calcium Deposits?

Calcium deposits, also known as calcification, are a condition where calcium builds up in the body's soft tissues, organs, or blood vessels, causing them to harden. While 99% of the body's calcium is stored in bones and teeth, various factors can disrupt this balance and cause deposits to form in other areas. The specific location determines the severity and type of treatment required. Common sites for calcification include joints and tendons, arteries, kidneys, breasts, skin, and teeth.

Causes of Calcification

Several factors can contribute to the formation of calcium deposits, including:

Chronic inflammation
Aging
Infection
Autoimmune disorders
Calcium metabolism disorders, such as hypercalcemia
Chronic kidney disease
Past surgeries or radiation therapy

Diagnosis: Finding the Deposits

Calcium deposits are often discovered during diagnostic imaging for other conditions, as they can be asymptomatic. A doctor may use several tests to pinpoint the location and extent of the calcification:

Imaging Tests: X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, and ultrasounds are used to visualize the deposits. A coronary calcium scan (a type of CT) can measure the level of calcium buildup in heart arteries.
Blood Tests: These can measure substances like calcium, phosphorus, and parathyroid hormone to check for metabolic disorders and kidney function.
Biopsy: For suspicious breast or skin deposits, a tissue sample may be taken and examined for malignant potential.

Are Calcium Deposits Treatable? Treatment Options by Location

Since the location and cause are the primary factors determining treatment, what works for one type of calcification may not work for another. It is crucial to consult a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.

Joints and Tendons (Calcific Tendinitis)

Calcific tendinitis most often affects the rotator cuff in the shoulder and can cause pain and restricted movement. Treatment options include:

Medication: Analgesics and NSAIDs can help manage pain and inflammation.
Physical Therapy: Can improve joint mobility and range of motion.
Steroid Injections: Can provide temporary relief from severe pain.
Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT): Uses focused sound waves to break up the calcium deposit so the body can absorb it.
Ultrasound-Guided Needling: A procedure to puncture and aspirate the deposit.
Surgery: Arthroscopic surgery can be used to remove deposits that do not respond to other treatments.

Arteries (Vascular Calcification)

Calcification of the arteries, a sign of atherosclerosis, increases the risk of heart disease, heart attack, and stroke. While specific treatments to reverse arterial calcification are limited, management focuses on controlling risk factors.

Medication: Lipid-lowering drugs (statins) and blood pressure medications are crucial for managing cholesterol and blood pressure.
Lifestyle Changes: A heart-healthy diet, exercise, quitting smoking, and limiting alcohol are highly recommended.
Vitamins: Vitamin K2 and Magnesium supplementation can help manage calcium distribution in the body, but require a doctor's supervision.

Kidneys (Nephrocalcinosis & Kidney Stones)

Nephrocalcinosis involves calcium deposits in the kidney tissue, while some kidney stones are also made of calcium.

Small Stones: Often pass naturally through urine.
Larger Stones: May require shock wave lithotripsy to break them into smaller, passable pieces.
Underlying Condition Management: Addressing conditions that cause high levels of calcium in the urine (hypercalciuria) is key.

Breasts (Breast Calcifications)

Found during mammograms, breast calcifications are usually benign and require no treatment. However, those deemed 'suspicious' may require a biopsy to rule out cancer, followed by appropriate cancer treatment if necessary.

Skin (Calcinosis Cutis)

Small, hard calcium lumps can form under the skin, often associated with chronic kidney disease or autoimmune disorders.

Treating the Underlying Cause: Managing the primary condition is the most effective approach.
Medication: Corticosteroids or calcium channel blockers may be used in some cases.
Surgery: Surgical removal is an option for large or painful deposits.

Teeth (Tartar/Calculus)

Calcium deposits on teeth are called tartar and cannot be removed by brushing alone.

Professional Cleaning: A dental hygienist uses specialized tools to scale and remove the hardened plaque.
Prevention: Good oral hygiene, including regular brushing and flossing, is the best preventative measure.

Can Lifestyle Changes Help?

Yes, lifestyle modifications play a critical role, especially for preventing and managing calcification in the arteries. A healthy lifestyle can help reduce inflammation and the risk factors associated with conditions that lead to deposits.

Balanced Diet: Focus on whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins. While diet high in calcium doesn't cause deposits, certain vitamins like K2 and D3 are important for calcium regulation.
Regular Exercise: Helps maintain a healthy weight and supports cardiovascular health.
Quit Smoking and Limit Alcohol: These habits increase the risk of vascular and pancreatic issues associated with calcification.
Stress Management: High stress levels can contribute to poor overall health.

Comparing Treatment Options


Feature	Non-Surgical Treatment	Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT)	Arthroscopic Surgery	Lifestyle Changes	Dental Cleaning	Arterial Medication
Effectiveness	Varies by location/severity	Good for calcific tendinitis	High for stubborn joint deposits	Supports overall health, slows progression	High for dental tartar	Manages risk factors, slows progression
Invasiveness	Low	Non-invasive	Invasive	Non-invasive	Minimally invasive	Non-invasive
Recovery	Minimal to none	Quick recovery	Longer recovery time	Ongoing	Minimal to none	Ongoing
Side Effects	Few; mild injection site pain	Mild pain/bruising	Standard surgical risks	Few to none	Mild gum sensitivity	Varies by medication
Best For	Mild joint pain, kidney stones	Mid-stage calcific tendinitis	Refractory joint deposits	Prevention, managing arterial calcification	Removing dental tartar	Controlling high cholesterol/BP

Conclusion

While the sight of calcium deposits can be concerning, it's reassuring to know that effective treatments are available. The approach is highly personalized, depending on the location, size, and cause of the deposit. For deposits in joints, a range of therapies exists, from conservative medication and physical therapy to more advanced shock wave treatments or surgery. Arterial calcification is primarily managed through lifestyle changes and medication to mitigate associated cardiovascular risks. Ultimately, the diagnosis from a healthcare provider is the essential first step toward a targeted and effective treatment plan. For more detailed health information, consult reliable medical resources like Cleveland Clinic.

Frequently Asked Questions

Calcium deposits can be caused by various factors, including aging, chronic inflammation, autoimmune disorders, and infections. They can also result from past injuries, surgeries, or cancer treatments, where the body's healing process causes calcium to build up in the damaged tissue.

No, a diet high in calcium does not typically cause calcium deposits in the soft tissues. These deposits result from metabolic imbalances or other underlying health issues, not from the amount of calcium consumed.

Calcium deposits are typically diagnosed using imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans, and ultrasounds. For certain locations, like the breasts, a mammogram is used. In some cases, blood tests or biopsies may also be necessary to understand the cause.

Treatment for calcific tendinitis in joints often begins with conservative methods like NSAID medication, physical therapy, and steroid injections. For more stubborn cases, options include shock wave therapy (ESWT), ultrasound-guided needling, or arthroscopic surgery to remove the deposit.

While it is difficult to reverse arterial calcification, its progression can be slowed by managing risk factors. This involves taking lipid-lowering drugs, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and addressing underlying conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure.

No, breast calcifications are very common and most are benign, requiring no treatment. However, some patterns of calcification can be an early sign of breast cancer, so further investigation through biopsy may be necessary if a doctor deems them suspicious.

Prevention is largely dependent on the underlying cause. For some types, like dental tartar, practicing good oral hygiene is effective. For arterial issues, maintaining a heart-healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and regular exercise, is key to prevention.