Biceps Tendonitis
Tendons connect muscle to bone. Bicep tendinitis is an inflammation of the upper bicep tendon, which attaches the bicep to the shoulder, and tends to be a long term condition (chronic). Tendons tend to wear slowly over time with age and normal activity and repeated motions over a long period of time can contribute to that wear.
Symptoms of bicep tendinitis are typically pain and weakness in the front of the shoulder. These symptoms are key indicators of bicep tendinitis. The pain can also radiate down the upper arm bone and a snapping sound or sensation can occur.
In most cases, medication and rest can relieve this issue. Nonsurgical treatments include rest, icing the area repeatedly, and taking anti-inflammatories. Sometimes your doctor can give you a steroid injection, but this treatment is rarely used because it can weaken the tendon further, resulting in a tear. If the tendinitis responds to the nonsurgical treatments, your doctor may suggest physical therapy to regain strength and motion.
If the tendinitis does not respond to nonsurgical treatments, surgery may be needed. Most often the surgery is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a small camera (arthroscope) inserted through a 1 cm incision. The surgeon then uses the images from the camera to maneuver miniature surgical instruments. Usually, the tendon is repaired directly, but in some cases, the damaged part of the tendon is removed and remaining part of the tendon is reattached to the humerus (upper arm) bone. This procedure is the least invasive way to repair this condition. The small incision is less traumatic to the muscle, reducing bleeding and scarring and leading to a quicker recovery time. This procedure can be done on an outpatient basis in a surgery center. There are many advantages to surgery centers including better outcomes, lower infection rates, no overnight stay, lower costs, and the convenience that comes with a highly skilled staff.
As with all our procedures, the goal is to get you back to full strength and doing the activities you want to do. Here at YourOrthoSolution, we have some of the top orthopedic surgeons and sports medicine physicians in the country. We are dedicated to getting you back to the things you love through a customized plan that fits only you. Our caring team always goes that extra step to make you feel a part of our family. We specialize in treating injuries, including bicep tendonitis, and want to help you start the healing process as quickly as possible to get you on the path to recovery.
At YourOrthoSolution, all of our doctors and staff are dedicated to ensuring that you not only receive the best orthopedic care in the area but also have an exceptional experience each time you visit our locations. Our dedicated staff will handle all insurance processes for you. You can expect to be in a friendly atmosphere and receive top orthopedic treatment to help you return to full mobility as quickly as possible.
