BICIPITAL TENDINITIS

Bicipital tendinitis, or biceps tendinitis, is the inflammation of one of the two tendons that attach the biceps to the shoulder joint. Symptoms may consist of shoulder pain that may spread down the front of the arm, tenderness where the biceps meets the shoulder, decreased shoulder movement and pain, and /or a bulge in the biceps (if one of the biceps tendons ruptures). The goals for treatment are to relieve pain, reduce inflammation and swelling.

Bicipital tendinitis, or biceps tendinitis, is the inflammation of one of the two tendons that attach the biceps muscle to the shoulder bones. Typically from overuse or repetitive motions, the tendon grows red and swollen. The biceps tendon is subject to normal wear and tear from daily activities. Over time, it grows weaker, putting people at risk for tendinitis. As tendinitis progresses, the damage can cause a tendon tear. Images comparing a normal, healthy biceps tendon and an inflamed one can be seen below.

Common symptoms may consist of shoulder pain that may spread down the front of the arm, swelling in the shoulder, tenderness where the biceps meets the shoulder, decreased shoulder movement and pain, and /or a bulge in the biceps (if one of the biceps tendons ruptures).

The goals for treatment are to relieve pain, reduce inflammation and swelling. Treatment may include resting the arm and shoulder, icing the area, various medicines and injections as well as physical therapy and strengthening exercises. All of these aim to reduce pain and inflammation. However, if these treatments don’t relieve the symptoms, surgery may be necessary.