Bicep tendonitis can cause shoulder pain. This condition involves irritation or inflammation of a specific tendon within the shoulder region, leading to discomfort often felt in the front of the shoulder. This article will explore what bicep tendonitis is, how it contributes to shoulder pain, its symptoms, common causes, and available diagnosis and treatment options.
What is Bicep Tendonitis
Bicep tendonitis refers to the inflammation of the long head of the biceps tendon. This cord-like structure connects the biceps muscle, located on the front of the upper arm, to the shoulder blade within the shoulder joint. The long head of the biceps tendon travels through a narrow groove in the upper arm bone, called the bicipital groove, before attaching inside the shoulder joint. Its position makes it susceptible to friction from repetitive movements or other shoulder conditions.
The Link Between Bicep Tendonitis and Shoulder Pain
Bicep tendonitis directly contributes to shoulder pain. The long head of the biceps tendon passes through the rotator cuff and attaches to the superior labrum, a rim of cartilage around the shoulder socket. When the biceps tendon becomes inflamed, the pain can spread to nearby tissues, radiating throughout the shoulder. The inflamed tendon can also rub against the surrounding bone within the bicipital groove, exacerbating discomfort.
This condition frequently occurs alongside other shoulder issues, such as rotator cuff tears, shoulder impingement syndrome, or tears in the glenoid labrum. These co-occurring problems can place additional stress on the biceps tendon, intensifying the shoulder pain experienced. The pain is often a deep, throbbing ache that can be localized to the bicipital groove and may extend down the arm.
Identifying Bicep Tendonitis Symptoms
Individuals experiencing bicep tendonitis report pain or tenderness in the front of the shoulder. This discomfort worsens with activities involving overhead lifting or arm movement. The pain might be described as an ache that can radiate down the upper arm bone. Certain motions, such as reaching backward or lifting objects, often intensify the pain.
Some people may notice an occasional snapping sound or sensation in the shoulder. Tenderness to the touch directly over the bicipital groove is a common finding. Weakness in the shoulder or arm may also accompany these symptoms.
Common Causes and Risk Factors
Bicep tendonitis often develops from overuse, particularly due to repetitive overhead motions. Activities like swimming, baseball, tennis, and weightlifting, which involve repeated arm movements above the head, can place significant strain on the biceps tendon. This repeated stress can lead to wear and tear, causing the tendon to become inflamed over time. Sudden increases in activity intensity or direct trauma to the shoulder can also initiate the condition.
Age is a contributing factor, as tendons naturally weaken and become less elastic with aging, making them more susceptible to irritation and injury. Poor technique during sports or heavy lifting, muscle imbalances, and pre-existing shoulder conditions further increase risk. For instance, rotator cuff tears or shoulder impingement can alter shoulder mechanics, placing additional stress on the biceps tendon and increasing the likelihood of tendonitis.
Diagnosis and Treatment Pathways
Diagnosing bicep tendonitis typically begins with a physical examination by a healthcare provider. The doctor will assess the shoulder’s range of motion, strength, and check for tenderness directly over the biceps tendon in the bicipital groove. Specific physical tests can help determine the function and stability of the biceps tendon. Imaging tests, such as X-rays, can help rule out other bone-related issues in the shoulder, while MRI or ultrasound scans provide detailed views of soft tissues like the biceps tendon and can identify inflammation or tears.
Treatment for bicep tendonitis usually starts with conservative measures. Rest from aggravating activities, applying ice to reduce swelling and pain, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen can help manage inflammation and discomfort. Physical therapy is a common intervention, focusing on specific stretching and strengthening exercises to restore shoulder mobility and improve muscle balance. If conservative treatments are insufficient, corticosteroid injections into the tendon sheath may be considered to reduce inflammation. In rare cases where pain persists or there is significant tendon damage, surgical options like biceps tenodesis or tenotomy may be necessary to repair or re-anchor the tendon.