Anil Kapoor Diagnosed With Calcification - All About The Disease!

An inspiration to many in the health and fitness sector, Bollywood actor Anil Kapoor is a raging star at 62. However, recently he shared an update claiming that he has been suffering from a form of Calcification in his right shoulder and he will be travelling to Germany to seek medical treatment.

This shocking update has left many pondering about Calcification and the risks it possesses.

What is Calcification?

Calcification is a condition where calcium builds up in different parts of the body like tissues, blood vessels and organs. This excess calcium travels through the bloodstream and can accumulate anywhere disturbing the natural processes of the body.

Calcification can occur in -

• Small and large arteries
• Heart valves
• Brain
• Joints and tendons
• Soft tissues like muscles and fat

Causes of Calcification:

A common myth is that Calcification is caused by a diet extremely rich in calcium. However, the real causes of Calcification are as follows-

1. Infection
2. Hypercalcemia or presence of excess calcium in the blood
3. A genetic disorder affecting the skeletal system
4. Persistent inflammation

Symptoms of Calcification:

Since the process of deposit of the calcium is extremely slow, the symptoms are not very obvious in the initial stages. One should be cautious of the following warning signs and seek medical help if they persist for a continuous period.

1. If someone is having pain or stiffness moving or stretching the joints or other affected parts
2. Itchy skin and red eyes, which are a sign of high calcium and phosphate deposit
3. Calcification is generally diagnosed using imaging tests like X-ray and ultrasounds

Non-Surgical Modes of Treatment:

Depending on the severity condition, Calcification may be cured using therapeutic treatments.

1. Physical Exercises – Exercises can treat frozen shoulder caused due to Calcification. Specific exercises, which stabilize the pressure on tendons, are a good cure to treat mild cases.
2. Anti-Inflammatory Medicines – Medication helps the patient to deal with the pain caused due to Calcification and reduces swelling.
3. Other Miscellaneous Treatments – Other forms of treatment include heat and ice packs, cortisone injections, ultrasound-guided needle lavage to suck out the calcium deposits.

Surgical Mode of Treatment:

Surgeries occur in rare cases where the patient suffers from persistent Calcification. The primary method of surgery includes Shoulder Arthroscopy where the doctor removes the excess calcium and sometimes even adjusts bones to reduce swelling of tendons.

Prevention Measures:

• Best way to prevent excess calcium is to consume green vegetables containing Vitamin K as it helps cut down levels of calcium in the blood.
• If you are diagnosed with Calcification, it is essential to limit the consumption of dairy products.
• Calcification is a curable health condition and appropriate treatment is sufficient to cure the patient.