Biceps tendinitis is an inflammation of the tendon. Pain and decreased mobility of the shoulder and arm are common symptoms. The cause of biceps tendinitis is generally overuse from repetitive activities which means the injury is common in athletes. Treatment can help to relieve symptoms and allow an individual to return to normal activities. Surgery, however, is not a first-line treatment for biceps tendinitis.
Activity
Because biceps tendinitis is usually the result of overuse of this specific muscle, treatment often consists of resting the injured tendon. For most people, this involves restricting activities that involve using the shoulder. A baseball pitcher, for example, should not perform any throwing activities in order to rest the biceps.
Icing
Icing the shoulder for biceps tendinitis may help to reduce the inflammation of the tendon. According to Dr. Pierre Rouzier, team physician for UMASS-Amherst, ice packs should be placed on the shoulder for 20 to 30 minutes every 3 to 4 hours. Icing can continue for two to three days or until symptoms resolve.
Anti-inflammatory Medications
Anti-inflammatory medications decrease the inflammation of the tendon and providing some pain relief. Common oral anti-inflammatory medications for tendinitis include ibuprofen and naproxen. Both ibuprofen and naproxen can be purchased over-the-counter. Patients should consult a physician before using these medications as they can sometimes interact with other medications or complicate existing health problems.
Corticosteroid Injections
Corticosteroid injections deliver local anti-inflammatory medication directly to the inflamed site. Physicians may inject the biceps tendon sheath to help decrease the inflammation. A risk of corticosteroid injection is the potential for tendon break down, or degeneration, if the injection goes directly into the tendon instead of around the tendon.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy or home exercises can help speed along the recovery of a patient suffering from biceps tendinitis. Formal physical therapy involves going to a physical therapy office and working with a physical therapist or physical therapy aide. At physical therapy, a patient may do stretching and strengthening exercises and undergo other therapies such as ultrasound, electric stimulation or hydrotherapy. Home exercises can be an effective means for many people. Exercises are performed to strengthen and stretch the shoulder and elbow joints. Home exercises may require the use of canned goods or other household objects rather than weight-training equipment to provide a safe amount of resistance.
Return to Activity
Patients generally begin to return to activity once symptoms improve. Performing physical therapy or home exercises can speed recovery. Returning to activity too soon can lead to worsening the injury or permanent injury to the biceps tendon. Before returning to activity, a patient should have full range of motion of the shoulder and full strength.
References
- "AAOS Comprehensive Orthopaedic Review"; Dr. Jay Lieberman (editor); 2008.
- "The Sports Medicine Patient Advisor"; Dr. Pierre Rouzier; 2004.
