Bicep Tendonitis

Biceps is the upper arm muscle which contracts when the arm is bent or while showing off the muscles. The tough connective tissues called tendons attach these muscles to the shoulder and the elbow. These tissues help in the movement of the arm.

Inflammation of any of these tendons leads to bicep tendonitis. The inflammation is common in case of the proximal tendons (top tendon, which connects the biceps to the shoulder). However, the bottom tendon (distal tendon) may also be affected in some cases.

Factors that cause this problem include repetitive use of these tissues, direct injury, instability in multi-directional uses, and calcification (a process that impregnates something with calcium/calcium salts) into the tendon.

• Pain might be experienced with the movement of the arm and shoulder.
• The person may feel excessive pain when the arm is extended, raised, or moved over or above the shoulder.
• The affected person may feel the pain, even with a slight touch to the anterior portion of the shoulder.

• Moving the arm in certain directions may produce snapping sounds.
• The person may feel a burning sensation in the affected area.
• The pain caused by this condition may worsen at night or early in the morning.
• Initially, the pain would be localized, however, as the condition aggravates, the person may feel the pain radiating to all other parts of the body.

The affected area needs complete rest, which is why it is advisable to use a sling for the arm. As overhead activities lead to this condition, avoid such movements.

In order to alleviate the pain, cold compresses could be applied to the aching area. Repeat this every 4 hours, at least for 2-3 days. Apart from this, you can take anti-inflammatory medicines prescribed by the doctor.

If the pain does not subside, then the doctor may choose to prescribe corticosteroid injection (when administered, they reduce swelling and decrease the body's immune response).

Rest is the ultimate treatment for this condition. Most people can return to their normal activities after resting for 3-6 weeks. Additionally, given below are some exercises which would be helpful:

Stand in a straight posture with your arms by your side. Keeping the elbow straight, raise the arms forward and then towards the ceiling. Stay in this position for about 5 seconds. You can carry on with this exercise for about 3 sets of 10 reps and once you get used to it, you can add light weights. For example, you could use 1 liter bottles filled with water.

Stand straight, keeping some light weights, such as a water filled bottle or a 1 kg dumbbell in both your hands. Now, curl the weight up to your shoulder, count 1 and lower the weight back to the initial position, then again curl the weight and count 2, and so on. Repeat this step for each arm.

Surgery is recommended only when the patient does not show any signs of improvement, even after being treated with conservative treatment methods. Surgery is required in extreme cases, wherein the problem persists and shoulder problems keep popping up.

Experts recommend the affected people to perform warm up exercises before any kind of exercise. Refrain from performing intensive workouts till you recover completely. Consult the doctor before initiating any particular therapy.

Disclaimer: This story is for informative purposes only and does not in any way attempt to replace the advice offered by an expert on the subject.