What Are the Treatments for Bicipital Tendinitis?

Bicipital tendinitis, also referred to as biceps tendinitis, is irritation and inflammation of the biceps tendon. The biceps tendon connects the biceps muscle to the upper arm and shoulder. This tendon helps with lifting, reaching, pulling or throwing and repetitive movements such as these can lead to bicipital tendinitis.

Symptoms

• Symptoms of bicipital tendinitis may include pain in the front of the shoulder. The pain may worsen when lifting your arm above your head or when extending the arm out in front. The painful area may be red, swollen and tender to the touch. Pain is worse first thing in the morning or at night. Snapping sounds may be heard when moving the arm or shoulder.

Types Of Treatment

• Treatment will involve rest, ice applications, pain relievers and rehabilitation exercises. The injured area should be kept from any activity and a sling may be provided to rest the arm. Apply ice every few hours for 10 to 15 minutes the first few days after injury to ease inflammation. Over-the-counter medications such as Advil or Aleve may relieve pain. Corticosteroid injections may be given for severe injuries to the biceps tendon.

Considerations

• Biceps tendinitis needs to rest for at least three to six weeks for the tendon to heal properly. Light stretching and rehabilitation therapy may be permitted after a resting period. Rehabilitation exercises may include shoulder flexing which involves stretching the arm out in front then lifting it above the head. Light-weight curls involve lifting a can of soup to your shoulder and back down again.

Warnings

• Rehabilitation exercises should only be attempted after the tendon has had adequate time to rest. When starting the exercise, go slowly. Stop or scale back therapy if pain worsens. You will need to wait for your doctor's approval before returning to any sports activity.

Prevention/Solution

• Warm up by stretching before any kind of sports activity and cool down when done. Apply ice if you suddenly feel biceps tendon pain and allow the tendon to rest for a few days. Consult with your doctor when changing an exercise routine. Your doctor can also advise you on what exercises help strengthen the biceps muscle and tendon.