What is Biceps Tendinitis?

Whether you’re an avid athlete or simply play sports for fun, hyperextension injuries can happen to anyone. In addition to rotator cuff injuries, people who play overhead sports are also prone to biceps injury.

But here’s what you need to know about biceps injuries and repair.

What is Biceps Tendinitis?

Biceps tendinitis is a condition where a person’s bicep tendon becomes inflamed. The bicep tendon is what connects the shoulder bones to the bicep muscle. When someone develops tendinitis, the tendon becomes swollen, which causes the sheath to thicken. This form of tendinitis is often accompanied by another problem such as arthritis and impingement.

Tendinitis is caused by many things, even doing daily activities. Unfortunately, as time goes on, the tendons in our arms gradually worsen because of how often we use them.

What are the Symptoms?

As with any kind of muscular problem, there are a few symptoms that come with tendinitis. The most notable symptoms is having a sharp pain in the front of your shoulder. This pain can potentially get worse whenever you use it for an activity. Another symptom that many people tend to overlook is the snapping sound that your shoulder produces. In fact, this is actually an early sign that you have tendinitis.

Is it Treatable?

Luckily, there are many ways to treat this type of tendinitis. In most cases, when symptoms aren’t severe, your doctor will usually suggest a non-surgical treatment plan.

Here is a small list of non-surgical treatments for tendinitis:

– Apply heat or ice to your shoulder
– Getting a steroid injections
– Get plenty of rest and avoid any strenuous activities
– Try physical therapy

However, not everyone only has mild cases of tendinitis. In some cases, symptoms may be so severe that surgical intervention is warranted. There are three surgical operations used to treat biceps tendinitis, which include simple repair, biceps tenodesis and tenotomy. Note, that when it comes to surgical intervention, the type you’ll need depends on the severity of the condition.

How Long Does it Last?

With the proper treatment, it’s estimated that this tendinitis will last for about six weeks. However, if you don’t receive treatment, it could take much longer than that, so always remember to follow the doctor’s orders. Regardless of what kind of treatment you’ve received, it’s your responsibility to maintain the treatment plan set out for you.

Although it can be uncomfortable, this form of tendinitis can be easily remedied. However, left unchecked, it cause other problems and worsen already existing ones. Be sure to ask your doctor on what the best course of action is to treating tendinitis.

Call POSMC today!

To schedule an appointment with one our specialists, contact our scheduling department at 972-250-5700 or request an appointment online.

POSMC is a full-service medical facility specializing in the evaluation and treatment of orthopedic injuries. The practice is led by a group of 12 board-certified and fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons and a physical medicine and rehabilitation physician. Contact us today!