Why Does My Bicep Hurt?
The biceps are made up of two muscles (the long head and the short head) attached to the shoulder and elbow by two tendons. Any damage to the muscles or tendons in the biceps can result in pain. Here are two common causes of bicep pain and what the treatment options are for each.
Bicep Pain Caused By Biceps Tendinitis
Biceps tendonitis occurs when the tendons that connect the bicep muscles to the shoulder and elbow bones become inflamed. This is often an overuse injury, brought on through a repetitive overhead motion (such as those in golf, baseball, and swimming).
Symptoms of biceps tendinitis include:
Pain that occurs while moving the upper arm
Weakness when lifting
Tenderness and swelling in the bicep
An exam by an orthopaedic shoulder physician is needed to formally diagnose biceps tendinitis. Diagnosis is usually accomplished with a physical exam, but sometimes Dr. Sterett will order an MRI if he suspects a tendon may be torn.
Dr. Sterett can usually treat bicep tendonitis nonsurgically through the following methods:
RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation)
Anti-inflammatory drugs
Physical therapy
Injections
Steroid medications
In very rare instances, the damaged section of the biceps tendon may need to be surgically removed. However, most patients recover after six months of using the above conservative methods.
Torn Bicep Tendon Pain
A bicep tendon can tear near the shoulder or the elbow. These tears can either be partial or complete and are often the result of injury or overuse.
Symptoms of a torn biceps tendon are:
Sharp, sudden pain in the upper arm or elbow
Bruising
Weakness
Chronic pain or tenderness
Impacted range of motion, especially when rotating the palm
Deformity, often a bulge in the bicep or dent near the shoulder
Although nonsurgical treatment methods may help alleviate your symptoms, a torn bicep tendon at the elbow often requires surgery. Without surgical intervention, the weakness and deformity in the arm may become permanent.
After your torn bicep surgery, recovery typically follows the steps below:
Wearing a cast or splint
Transitioning into a brace
Physical therapy
Cleared for light work activities
Clear for vigorous activities and sports
A full recovery from a torn bicep tendon can take up to three months. After that time, nearly all patients regain full range of motion and arm strength.
Schedule an Appointment With Dr. Sterett, Orthopaedic Shoulder Specialist
If you’re experiencing bicep pain, contact Dr. Sterett today! With over 30 years of experience treating shoulder and bicep injuries, Dr. Sterett will quickly diagnose your condition and recommend a treatment plan that gets you back to doing the activities you love.
Contact our offices by calling (970) 476-7220 or request a consultation using our online platform. Let’s get your bicep pain treated so you can resume your active lifestyle!
