Biceps tendinitis: 4 causes and treatments

by | Jul 15, 2024 | Shoulder and Arm Pain

Your biceps are utilized in many everyday tasks. You need them to rotate your forearm to turn a doorknob or carry the weight of grocery bags. So, when your biceps are in pain, it can interfere with your overall quality of life. 

Your biceps are the muscles that extend from the elbow to the shoulder located at the front of your upper arm. When the tendons that connect the biceps to the shoulder blade become inflamed or irritated, it’s known as biceps tendinitis. It can result in symptoms such as pain, tenderness and weakness. But what causes this type of condition to happen? How can you treat the symptoms and move along the recovery process? That’s what we’re here to discuss.

4 possible causes of biceps tendinitis 

The thing about medical conditions like biceps tendinitis is that they rarely have just one cause. The inflammation is caused by small tears in the tendon. These microtears can be the result of many different issues and habits. By learning about the potential causes of biceps tendinitis, you can determine the safest and most effective treatment options.

If you believe that you’re experiencing symptoms of biceps tendinitis, be sure that you talk to your doctor about your concerns. They can run necessary diagnostic tests to provide you with the correct diagnosis as well as the potential reason behind it.

Here are four possible explanations behind biceps tendinitis:

  • Repetitive motions — One of the most common causes of biceps tendinitis is repeated shoulder motions that overuse the tendon. These often refer to overhead motions. This is what makes the condition common among athletes who repeatedly raise their arms over their head, such as tennis players, swimmers and golfers.
  • Poor sports mechanics — If improper technique is used while performing a sports movement, it can put excessive strain on the biceps tendons. This can include improper alignment and movement patterns while playing a sport. For example, poor posture while golfing can negatively affect the tendon during a swing. The arm is trying to carry out the movement without correct body alignment.
  • Wear and tear — It’s possible to gradually develop microtears in the biceps tendons over time due to everyday activities. As you get older, your tendons can slowly lose their strength, or degenerate. This makes them more susceptible to damage from general wear and tear. It’s possible that years of cleaning high shelves or doing labor-intensive jobs can lead to inflammation.
  • Heavy lifting — Many causes of biceps tendinitis occur over time. However, it’s also possible that a single instance can result in inflammation, such as carrying a heavy object that slips from your fingers. For example, if you lift a couch but it slips from your grip, your biceps tendons can become strained as your elbow is forced to straighten in an attempt to prevent it from dropping.

4 treatments of biceps tendinitis 

Biceps tendinitis can often take more than six months to heal, which is why proper treatment is so important. With the right courses of action, you can accelerate the recovery process, reduce your pain and work to restore your shoulder mobility.

While some treatment options for biceps tendinitis can be completed at home through self-care, others will require the guidance of a health care professional, such as a physician or physical therapist. 

Here are four treatment options worth exploring for biceps tendinitis:

  • Rest — While it may seem simple, resting your biceps is one of the most important treatments for tendinitis. If you continue to strain them by lifting heavy objects or repeatedly performing overhead motions, it can lengthen the recovery time and potentially worsen the symptoms.
  • Ice packs — Applying cold compresses is a tried-and-true method for pain management, and for good reason. By applying an ice or cold pack to your biceps for 20-minute intervals, you’re helping to numb the area and reduce blood circulation to the affected tissue. Ice packs should also be applied after any activity that puts strain on your biceps to reduce the symptoms.
  • Steroid injections — Depending on the severity of your tendinitis and how much it impacts your day-to-day life, your doctor may recommend that you receive a corticosteroid injection. This steroid can help reduce your pain as well as the inflammation. 
  • Exercises — One of the most essential treatments for any musculoskeletal issue, such as tendinitis, is targeted therapeutic exercises. While rest is important, you should also be sure to keep the area strong and flexible. Your physical therapist can guide you through strengthening exercises for the affected muscles, as well as stretches to help restore the shoulder’s range of motion. 

Forever Fit can help you determine the likely cause and best treatments for biceps tendinitis

While it can be frustrating to feel pain and stiffness in your biceps, you don’t need to just grin and bear it. By figuring out the root cause of your issue and exploring the best treatment options, you can return to your regular activities with reduced pain or stiffness in the biceps.

At Forever Fit, we’ll help you determine the likely cause of your symptoms before designing a personalized treatment plan to alleviate your pain, reduce the stiffness and restore mobility. 

Contact our team today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment.

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