What is biceps tendonitis?

Tendons are connective tissue bands that attach muscles to bones. The biceps muscle is located in the front part of the upper arm and attaches at the elbow and in two places at the shoulder. Biceps tendonitis, also called bicipital tendonitis, is inflammation that causes pain in the front part of the shoulder or upper arm.

How does it occur?

Biceps tendonitis occurs from overuse of the arm and shoulder or from an injury to the biceps tendon.

What are the symptoms?

You feel pain when you move your arm and shoulder, especially when you move your arm forward over shoulder height. You feel pain when you touch the front of your shoulder.

How is it diagnosed?

Your doctor will examine your arm and shoulder for tenderness along the biceps muscle and biceps tendons.

How is it treated?

Treatment may include: placing ice packs on your shoulder for 20 to 30 minutes every 3 to 4 hours for 2 or 3 days or until the pain goes away taking anti-inflammatory medication getting an injection of a corticosteroid medication to reduce the inflammation and pain doing rehabilitation exercises.