Biceps Tendinopathy Symptoms

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Your biceps muscle is found at the front of your upper arm. The upper biceps tendon connects to the scapula bone of the shoulder joint (biceps brachii), and the other side of the biceps connects to the radius bone of the lower arm.

The long head of the biceps connects to the top of the shoulder socket called the glenoid. The short head of the biceps attaches to the coracoid process on the shoulder blade. Tendons are strong bands of tissue that connect the muscle to the bone and are involved with flexion and extension.

What Is Biceps Tendinopathy?

Biceps tendinopathy is a broad term referring to any condition that causes pain or swelling to the biceps tendon. The most common condition that affects the biceps is biceps tendonitis (sometimes spelled biceps tendinitis). This condition is often misdiagnosed as rotator cuff tears.

If you are experiencing pain in your bicep or shoulder, schedule an appointment with JIS Orthopedics today. We have offices conveniently located in New Albany and St. Clairsville, OH. Our joint specialists look forward to helping you restore your arm’s normal movement.

What Are the Causes of Biceps Tendonitis?

Biceps tendonitis usually develops because of wear and tear on your biceps muscles and tendons. Activities with repetitive movements, such as sports and weight lifting, can cause biceps tendonitis.

When a load is exerted on the biceps tendon, it can cause micro-tears. Over time, if the tears are not given sufficient time to heal, the tendon can become irritated and swollen. As the condition worsens, the tendon and tendon sheath can begin to thicken.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Biceps Tendonitis?

Biceps tendinopathy is rarely seen in isolation, as it often coexists with other shoulder pathologies, such as rotator cuff impingement syndrome, rotator cuff tears, labral tears, SLAP lesions, and shoulder osteoarthritis.

The symptoms of biceps tendinopathy typically consist of the following:

  • Pain in the anterior shoulder region, occasionally radiating down to the elbow.
  • Pain resulting from overhead activities.
  • Pain that aggravates with shoulder flexion, forearm supination, or elbow flexion.
  • Fatigue in shoulder movements.
  • Pain at night.
  • Symptoms that lessen with rest, ice, massage, stretching, and sometimes heat.

How Is Biceps Tendonitis Diagnosed?

Your doctor will begin with a physical examination. They will check the area where your tendon attaches to the bone for pain and tenderness. They may also ask you to perform certain movements to check your range of motion and see what could be the cause of the pain in the shoulder.

Imaging testing may also be used to achieve further accuracy in the diagnostic process. Image testing can help rule out other conditions related to the shoulder. These tests could include the following:

  • X-Ray — X-rays may show calcifications in the biceps tendon or demonstrate associated degeneration in the glenohumeral or acromioclavicular joint.
  • Ultrasonography — This test is used to evaluate the dynamic function of the biceps tendon. It can also point out ruptures or instability.
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) — The test is executed to rule out coexisting shoulder injuries, such as rotator cuff tears, labral tears, and biceps ruptures.

How to Treat Biceps Tendinopathy

Treatment methods for biceps tendinopathy typically focus on reducing inflammation and swelling, strengthening the muscle, and preventing tendon rupture from occurring. In most cases, surgery is not required to treat tendon injuries.

Below are some of the treatment methods we regularly use for biceps tendinopathy here at JIS Orthopedics.

  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs: Ibuprofen or Naproxen are often recommended for five to seven days.
  • Physical Therapy: These physical therapy treatments usually include stretching and strengthening exercises and sometimes even a massage or ultrasound.
  • Biceps tendon sheath injection: Steroid injections can be very useful in diagnosing and treating the inflamed biceps tendon. They are often recommended in the case of a partially torn tendon or when there is an associated labral tear or significant rotator cuff tear.

Choose JIS Orthopedics for Relief

If you are experiencing pain in your biceps or shoulder, schedule an appointment with JIS Orthopedics today. We have offices conveniently located in New Albany and St. Clairsville, OH.

Our team of skilled doctors looks forward to helping you return to doing the things that you love. Contact us today!

Medically reviewed by Dr. Nicholas Walla

JIS Orthopedics can diagnose and treat your injury, and help you recover

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above, then you may have biceps tendinopathy. If so, it is important to make sure that you get a proper diagnosis and begin treatment in the early stages, before it results in a complete tear or another worsened condition. That’s why JIS Orthopedics is here to help. Give us a call today and begin your road to recovery with us!

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