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Contents
  • Types of Biceps Tendon Injuries
  • Recognizing the Symptoms
  • Diagnosing the Problem

Is That Pain in Your Shoulder a Biceps Tendon Injury?

Is That Pain in Your Shoulder a Biceps Tendon Injury?

The Biceps Breakdown

Shoulder pain is a common complaint, but did you know your biceps tendon could be the culprit? Biceps tendon injuries range from mild inflammation to complete tears, and understanding the signs can help you get the right treatment.
Contents
  • Types of Biceps Tendon Injuries
  • Recognizing the Symptoms
  • Diagnosing the Problem

Types of Biceps Tendon Injuries

Biceps tendon injuries come in several forms. Tendinitis is inflammation of the tendon, while tendinopathy refers to degeneration over time. Partial tears occur when the tendon is damaged but not completely severed. A complete tear or rupture happens when the tendon fully separates from the bone. Each type of injury can cause different symptoms and may require different treatments.

Recognizing the Symptoms

Pain in the front of the shoulder is the most common symptom of a biceps tendon injury. This pain may worsen with lifting, pulling, or overhead activities. You might also experience a clicking sensation or pain that gets worse at night. In the case of a complete tear, you may hear a 'pop' and see bruising or swelling. Some people develop a visible bulge in the upper arm, known as a 'Popeye' deformity.
Biceps tendon injuries involve damage to the tendon that connects the biceps muscle to the shoulder, ranging from inflammation to complete tears.

Diagnosing the Problem

Doctors typically diagnose biceps tendon injuries through a combination of physical examination and imaging tests. They may perform specific tests like the Speed test or Yergason test to check for tendon problems. Ultrasound and MRI scans can provide detailed images of the tendon to confirm the diagnosis and determine the extent of the injury.

FAQs

Can biceps tendon injuries heal on their own?

Minor injuries often improve with rest and conservative treatment.

How long does recovery take?

Recovery time varies from weeks to months depending on injury severity.

Is surgery always necessary for a biceps tendon tear?

Not always; many tears can be managed non-surgically, especially in less active individuals.

Can I prevent biceps tendon injuries?

Proper form during exercise and avoiding overuse can help reduce risk.

Do biceps tendon injuries only affect athletes?

No, they can occur in anyone, but are more common in those who do repetitive arm motions.

The Bottom Line

While biceps tendon injuries can be painful and disruptive, most can be effectively treated with proper diagnosis and care.
If you're experiencing persistent shoulder pain, consider discussing your symptoms with Doctronic to determine if your biceps tendon might be involved.
Additional References
  1. Nho SJ, Strauss EJ, Lenart BA, et al. Long head of the biceps tendinopathy: diagnosis and management. J Am Acad Orthop Surg 2010; 18:645.
  2. McDonald LS, Dewing CB, Shupe PG, Provencher MT. Disorders of the proximal and distal aspects of the biceps muscle. J Bone Joint Surg Am 2013; 95:1235.
  3. Virk MS, Cole BJ. Proximal Biceps Tendon and Rotator Cuff Tears. Clin Sports Med 2016; 35:153.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic.