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Biceps Tendonitis
Biceps tendonitis is the term used to denote an inflammation, irritation or swelling of the biceps tendon (a band of fibrous tissue). The biceps muscles extending from the shoulder to the elbow on the front of the upper arm are joined with bones in that area through biceps tendons. The inflammation of biceps tendons is a common problem among athletes and body builders. Pain caused by biceps tendonitis is usually felt in the front part of the shoulder or upper arm.
How does Biceps Tendonitis occur?
The overuse of the arm and shoulder often causes injury to the biceps tendon. Weight-lifters and tennis players whose activity involves repetitive arm flexing (like biceps curls) are often affected by biceps tendonitis. Even the students who have to do a lot of writing are also susceptible to this condition. The inflammation occurs with insertion of biceps inside the elbow. Biceps tendonitis which initially begin with a mild pain in the joint, turns a severe biceps injury.
Symptoms of Biceps Tendonitis:
- Thickness, swelling and redness develop on Biceps tendons.
- Pain or discomfort is felt while bending the arm against resistance.
- Pain or discomfort is felt inside elbow while writing.
- Aggravation of pain with movement or activity.
- Pain on touching the front of the shoulder
- A snapping sound is heard while moving the arm or shoulder in a particular direction.
First aid for Biceps Tendonitis:
- Give rest to the affected area till injury is cured.
- Apply heat and use a heat retainer.
- Apply ice with ice packs on your shoulder for half an hour three in the gap of three or four hours for two to three days so long as pain persists. Ice application helps to reduce bruising and swelling.
- Take anti-inflammatory drug on consultation with a sports injury specialist.
- Get an injection of a corticosteroid medicine to minimize the inflammation and pain.
- See a physical therapist to explore if rehabilitation exercises can be of any help to you.
- Avoid overhead exercises and movements.
Prevention of Biceps Tendonitis:
- Do not go for repetitive motion and overuse of an extremity.
- Warm up the area before participating in exercise or vigorous activity. However, you must avoid overdoing.
- In case you feel slight pain on the upper biceps area, apply ice immediately to reduce the pain and inflammation.
- Maintain the strength and flexibility of your muscles.
- Don't lift heavy objects frequently.
- Don't go for pulling or pushing motions.
When to See a Doctor :
- In case a deep ache is felt directly in the front and top of the shoulder.
- If pain is felt during exercise.
- If weakness is felt in the arm.
- If it pains while trying to bend the elbow or twist the forearm into supination (palm up).
- In case there are bone spurs or calcium deposits near the tendon.
- In case there is any defect in the rotator cuff, labrum or the portion of the biceps tendon inside the shoulder joint.