Biceps Tendinitis

The bones that make up the shoulder are the upper end of the arm bone (humerus), the shoulder blade (scapula), and the collarbone (clavicle). Some would describe this joint as a ball and socket joint, but it is more like a ball sitting on a golf tee, meaning that there is a tiny surface area of bone contact. The stability of the shoulder joint relies heavily on the soft tissues around the bone, including muscles, tendons, capsule, and labrum, that keep the arm centered with the shoulder blade. The collarbone or clavicle is another structure in the shoulder region that attaches to the shoulder blade at the front of the shoulder; this joint is called the acromioclavicular joint (AC joint).

The biceps brachii muscle runs from the shoulder to the forearm and is one of the main muscles that bend the elbow. At each end of the muscle, cord-like structures called tendons attach the muscles to the bones. There are two tendons near the shoulder, the long head and the short head tendons of the bicep muscles.

A rotator cuff is a group of muscles responsible for shoulder movements. They lift the arm, help rotate it, and allow you to pull objects toward you. They also play a role in keeping the arm bone centered over the shoulder blade.

Inflammation of the tendons can cause pain, typically at the front of the shoulder, weakness of the shoulder movement, particularly with the overhead lifting of the arm, and stiffness, which is a loss of usual motion. Tendons are covered by a thin layer of tissue called the sheath. When there is inflammation, the sheath may swell up. Over time, with persistent rash, the tendon may start to degrade and fray. In some cases, the tendon may tear entirely, leaving the arm with a bulge at the biceps muscle.

Biceps tendinitis is usually associated with another condition, such as rotator cuff injury.

The causes of biceps tendinitis can be from everyday activities. Some jobs or sports that require repetitive shoulder motion can make someone more susceptible to biceps tendinitis, such as tennis players or swimmers.

Physical Examination

A medical practitioner may examine the shoulder to check for a range of motion, apply pressure to various areas of the shoulder to see if this causes pain, and check nerve function in the muscles and skin of the arm/hand. They may perform special tests to check for injuries to specific shoulder parts.

Imaging

Based on the history of the shoulder symptoms and the practitioner’s physical examination, imaging can be beneficial in identifying the critical cause of the shoulder complaint. X-rays may be ordered, but they are best used to assess bones and joints.

MRI can provide more detail about the condition of the tendon and muscles. It is also an effective way to look for associated conditions such as a rotator cuff or labral injury.

Treatment

Rest: Taking a break from activities that put stress on the shoulder can help decrease inflammation. Athletes may benefit from regular intervals from their sport if biceps tendinitis is a more chronic problem.

Ice: Ice can decrease inflammation during an acute flare-up.

Anti-Inflammatory Medications: These oral medications are usually found over the counter and are designed to decrease inflammation. They can be effective for short-term use.

Exercises/Physical Therapy: This may dramatically reduce symptoms and help the patient regain strength as the patient heals their injury. It is important to note that consistency with physical therapy, usually for at least 4-6 weeks, is the most beneficial.

Corticosteroid Injections: Steroid medications are very effective in decreasing inflammation. When injected directly into the shoulder, it may provide significant relief, which may help the patient to participate in exercises or physical therapy. In rare cases, however, steroids may increase tearing in a tendon.

Surgery: Surgery may be indicated in cases where the more conservative treatments mentioned above do not work. It may also be needed if the tendon is completely torn. Many of these surgeries can be done arthroscopically using small incisions and cameras, making the surgery less invasive.

With a wholly torn tendon, surgery may involve attaching the torn tendon to another tendon; this is a process called tenodesis. If this is not possible, the tendon may be cut away, called a biceps tenotomy. It is rarely reattached to the bone.