Understanding Calcars: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Calcars are small, hard deposits that can form in the joints of people with rheumatoid arthritis or other inflammatory conditions. They are made up of calcium pyrophosphate and can cause pain, stiffness, and limited mobility in the affected joints. Calcars are also known as "calcium pyrophosphate deposits" or "CPDs."

Calcars can form in any joint, but they are most common in the hands, wrists, elbows, knees, and ankles. They can be small and barely noticeable, or they can grow large enough to cause significant pain and disability.

The exact cause of calcars is not fully understood, but they are thought to be related to inflammation and imbalances in mineral metabolism. Some research suggests that they may be more common in people who have a genetic predisposition to rheumatoid arthritis or other inflammatory conditions.

There is no cure for calcars, but there are several treatment options available to help manage the symptoms they cause. These include medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs), as well as physical therapy and joint surgery in severe cases.