Biceps Tendonitis
Biceps tendonitis is an inflammatory condition that affects the tendons that attach the biceps muscle to the bones in the shoulder socket. The biceps muscle is located on the front of the upper arm and controls shoulder and elbow mobility. It has two tendons that attach to the shoulder blade. The long head of the biceps tendon attaches to the top of the shoulder socket. The short head attaches to a bump on the shoulder blade. The long head of the biceps tendon is a shoulder stabilizer and a known pain generator. Biceps tendonitis usually occurs in conjunction with damage to the rotator cuff tendons.
- The typical presentation is deep throbbing pain at the front of the shoulder that is aggravated by movement or activity. The pain may radiate down the arm.
- Tenderness around the upper biceps tendon above the front of the shoulder joint.
- Swelling in the shoulder.
- Weakness when attempting to use the arm.
- Reduced range of motion that interferes with the ability to perform overhead activities.
- Pain that worsens with overhead motions such as throwing and lifting.
The vast majority of biceps tendonitis is due to age-related wear and tear, that over time can lead to degeneration and weakness of the tendons, and eventually tendon tears. Overuse and repetitive motions can worsen the condition.
Biceps tendonitis is common among athletes engaged in throwing sports, swimming, or tennis, where repetitive shoulder motion is frequent. Abrupt increases in activity or intensity of exercise and inadequate conditioning contribute to the condition.
Dr. Kaplan will review your medical history inquiring about your symptoms, when they began and how long you have had them. He will perform an orthopedic examination testing for pain and tenderness in the biceps muscle and may perform specific arm movements to evaluate biceps tendon stability and pain to assess the condition.
While biceps tendonitis is largely a clinical diagnosis, he may order imaging studies including an ultrasound or MRI to confirm the diagnosis and assess the extent of tendon damage. Imaging studies provide detailed views of the soft tissues, including the tendons and muscles, and can help identify or rule out other conditions that might mimic or contribute to the symptoms of tendonitis such as arthritis or damaged rotator cuff tendons.
Schedule a shoulder consultation
When you or a loved one has severe shoulder pain, contact Dr. Daniel J. Kaplan at NYU Langone Brooklyn office to schedule a consultation. He is a shoulder expert and can diagnose your problem and offer the best treatment options for your condition. Dr. Daniel Kaplan is a fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon who specializes in sports medicine and shoulder surgery. He is also the chief of sports medicine at Bellevue Hospital and the chief of sports medicine at the VA hospital in Manhattan. His expertise is in minimally invasive arthroscopic and advanced open reconstruction procedures to treat biceps tendonitis.
At a Glance
Dr. Daniel Kaplan
- Fellowship-trained Sports Medicine and Shoulder Surgeon
- Expertise in Complex Shoulder Hip and Knee minimally-invasive reconstruction procedures
- Assistant Professor of Orthopedic Surgery at NYU
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