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Bicep Tendonitis

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What Is Bicep Tendonitis?

Bicep tendonitis is an inflammation of the tendons that connect the biceps muscle, at the front of your arm, to the shoulder and the elbow.

A repetitive motion injury, bicep tendonitis often results from overuse caused by a repeated overhead motion.

Athletes usually respond well to home care bicep tendonitis treatment and a break from the sport that caused it

Bicep tendonitis causes and risk factors

Sports with repeated motion in the arm and shoulder — or a sudden injury to the tendon — can cause bicep tendonitis.

Sports that increase your risk of bicep tendonitis include:

  • Swimming
  • Baseball or softball
  • Tennis

Bicep tendonitis complications

Severe overuse of the biceps tendons can cause a tear. This requires surgery to repair the torn bicep. 

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Bicep Tendonitis Symptoms and Diagnosis

Bicep tendonitis symptoms

Bicep tendonitis symptoms include:

  • Pain when you move the upper part of the arm (shoulder or elbow)
  • Weakness
  • Tenderness

You can also feel the effects of bicep tendonitis when you turn your wrist from a palm facing up to a palm facing down, or vice versa.

Bicep tendonitis diagnosis

A doctor will examine your arm and ask questions about the sports you play.

Simply touching the bicep tendons can help your doctor diagnose bicep tendonitis. He or she will also observe which arm motions cause pain.

If your doctor suspects a tear in any of the tendons, you will need an MRI. 

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Bicep Tendonitis Treatment

Our team of experts at UPMC Sports Medicine will work with you on the best treatment plan to relieve your bicep tendonitis pain.

Because bicep tendonitis can involve more than one tendon, your doctor will base treatment on the affected tendon.

How to treat bicep tendonitis

Treatments for bicep tendonitis may include:

  • Rest
  • A break from the sport or activity that caused the problem
  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
  • Physical therapy and exercises
  • Cortisone injections
  • Platelet rich plasma

Torn tendons may need surgical repair. 

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