Bicep Tendonitis

The UPMC Sports Medicine website provides valuable information on bicep tendonitis, a condition that causes pain and inflammation in the bicep tendon. The page explains the causes, symptoms, and risk factors associated with bicep tendonitis, including repetitive arm motions and overuse injuries. It also offers treatment options, such as rest, physical therapy, and, in severe cases, surgery. Additionally, the page emphasizes the importance of proper warm-up exercises and stretching techniques to prevent bicep tendonitis.

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On this page

• What Causes Bicep Tendonitis?
• What Are the Symptoms of Bicep Tendonitis?
• How Do You Diagnose Bicep Tendonitis?
• How Do You Treat Bicep Tendonitis?

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

What are the causes of bicep tendonitis?

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

What are the risk factors and complications of bicep tendonitis?

Sports that increase your risk of bicep tendonitis include:

• Swimming.
• Baseball or softball.
• Tennis.

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

What are the symptoms of bicep tendonitis?

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.

How do you diagnose bicep tendonitis?

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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How Do You Treat Bicep Tendonitis?

Our team of experts at UPMC 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.

Types of treatment for 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.

Return to Play program

You may be a candidate for the Return to Play program if you are an athlete who has been treated for a sports injury, completed physical therapy, and is looking for additional support to help you safely and confidently reengage with your sport.

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