Bicep tendinitis is an inflammation or irritation of the upper portion of the bicep tendon. This "long head" of the tendon connects your bicep muscle to the shoulder socket, and it often becomes damaged through repetitive overhead motions.
The pain typically develops gradually and is often felt at the front of the shoulder. Watch for:
Localized Pain: A dull ache or sharp pain specifically in the front of the shoulder that may travel down the arm.
Tenderness: The area feels sore to the touch directly over the bicep groove.
Aggravated Movement: Pain that worsens with overhead lifting, reaching, or pulling.
Doctors usually diagnose bicep tendinitis through a combination of physical tests and imaging:
Physical Exam: Your doctor will move your arm in specific directions (like the Speeds Test) to see if it reproduces the pain.
Ultrasound: Often the preferred quick method to see if the tendon is thickened or surrounded by fluid.
MRI: Used to look for more severe tearing or to check if the surrounding rotator cuff is also injured.
Most cases resolve with conservative (non-surgical) care aimed at calming the tendon down:
Activity Modification: Avoiding the specific overhead activities or heavy lifting that caused the flare-up.
Ice and Medication: Applying ice for 15 minutes several times a day and using anti-inflammatory medication (like ibuprofen) to manage swelling as needed.
Physical Therapy: Strengthening the muscles around the shoulder blade and rotator cuff to take the pressure off the bicep tendon.
Injections: Corticosteroid or platelet rich plasma (PRP)
Surgery: In rare, chronic cases, a tenodesis may be performed to reattach the tendon to a different spot on the humerus to relieve tension.