Tendonitis of the biceps isn’t just about pain, although there is plenty of that: pain that interferes with your activities of daily living, pain that interferes with your sleep, chronic sharp pain with persistent inflammation that can lead to a long list of complications and long-term consequences from progressive shoulder/arm weakness to possible permanent loss of strength/flexibility. Left untreated, tendonitis of the biceps can lead to structural damage, potential tendon tears, and an increased risk of permanent tissue damage. Early medical intervention is crucial to prevent these serious complications and the best place to start is by seeing an orthopedic specialist at the forefront of their field at OCC – Advanced Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Specialists in Denver, Parker, and Aurora, Colorado.
OVERVIEW
Tendonitis of the biceps, also known as biceps tendonitis is also the same as tendinitis. Tendinitis is considered the more accurate medical spelling. They both refer to irritation and inflammation in the long head of the biceps tendon. This tendon connects the bicep to the shoulder, causing pain and tenderness in the front of the shoulder, particularly when performing overhead movements or reaching backward, often caused by repetitive motions or overuse in sports or work activities. This pain can come on suddenly with one motion or insidiously over time. It can also be felt when turning the wrist from a palm facing up to a palm facing down or vice versa. Biceps tendonitis most often occurs in active older adults, primarily between 35-55. Predisposing factors include overuse, improper training, age-related degeneration, and underlying shoulder/arm structural issues. High-risk populations include weightlifters, swimmers, baseball/tennis players, and gymnasts. It affects professionals and weekend warriors. It affects manual labor workers, construction workers, painters, mechanics, and those with jobs requiring repetitive arm movements.
ABOUT THE BICEPS MUSCLE
The biceps muscle is comprised of two heads. At each end are connective tissues called tendons that anchor the muscles to bone. The long head originates from a cavity in the scapula (shoulder blade) called the glenoid. It passes through the shoulder joint to the upper arm through a groove in the humerus (the large bone of the upper arm). The short head originates from a projection on the scapula called the coracoid and runs alongside the long head on the inside of the arm. One of its primary functions is: elbow flexion- when the forearm moves toward the body by bending at the elbow, it’s called elbow flexion. The opposite movement is called elbow extension. The three bones involved in elbow flexion are the: humerus, ulna, and radius. Another primary function is forearm supination- the rotational movement of the forearm that turns the palm upward. It’s the opposite of pronation, which is the downward rotation of the forearm. It is a key muscle in upper limb strength and mobility, helps lift objects toward the shoulder, is the primary mover in curling motions, and is critical for hand movements.
WHAT IS THE TENDONITIS OF THE BICEPS?
The tendon of the long head of the biceps travels through a groove on the anterior aspect of the shoulder. If the tendon sustains forces that exceed its strength, it sustains micro injuries that lead to inflammation which enlarges the tendon. Since it is in a small space, it can then be further inflamed by rubbing against the borders of the bicipital groove, which makes it bigger and more inflamed setting up a vicious cycle. Biceps tendonitis is a condition that occurs with inflammation in the upper biceps tendon. This tendon — also known as the long head of the biceps tendon — connects the biceps muscle to the shoulder blade bone. The condition can also occur at the elbow. Biceps tendinitis doesn’t typically occur alone. It most often happens alongside other shoulder issues, including:
- Shoulder arthritis
- Dislocated shoulder
- Shoulder impingement syndrome
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