Symptoms range from severe pain to restricted mobility and function of the affected joint and swelling or presence of a nodule or it might be felt under the skin with warmth around the area.

Myositis Ossificans or Heterotrophic ossificans as it is also known can be caused as a result of injury or as a rare congenital manifestation. After muscle injury there are cytokines which are released out in the tissue which stimulate blood cells to form bony tissue in muscles this is a result of inappropriate response from stem cells in the tissue.

Non-surgical treatment includes anti-inflammatory medicines with ice therapy in acute stages followed by rest of the affected joint. Cryotherapy is also of help in acute stages. Gradual exercises to the functional range of motion is initiated after 2 weeks and gradually increased to do resistance exercises. Aggressive physio is started once the pain is tolerable and range of motion is increased with increased resistance exercises. Once the lesion is mature exercises are increased to the optimal range of movement of the joint.

Injections of steroids locally is also effective

Surgery is only indicated if the non-surgical therapy has failed and that too after a period of 12 to 18 months of the injury or the first symptoms. Surgery is also indicated only if the calcification is pressing on a crucial nerve or blood vessels or restricting the joint functional movement.

Immediately if there is any blunt injury to any joints especially shoulder and elbow. And also, when the first symptom of swelling and pain is seen

Regular exercises of all the joints especially the functional range of motion. After any blunt injury to any joint regular functional movement should be started as early as possible to reduce chances of calcification.