Great Neck, NY, 10/22/2022 /SubmitMyPR/
dr Brain Capogna, orthopedist shares insight into biceps tendinitis, its main causes, symptoms and when to see a specialist. Biceps tendinitis is a common injury in athletes, particularly volleyball, baseball, swimming, gymnastics, weightlifting, and other sports that use the biceps to throw, swing, or pull. The biceps muscle allows people to bend their elbow and rotate their forearm palm up. There are two biceps tendons – the “short head” is attached to a bone on the shoulder blade called the coracoid. The “long head” that is the main culprit in biceps tendinitis and shoulder tears runs into the shoulder joint and attaches at the top of the socket. Injury to this tendon can lead to inflammation, microtears, and ruptures that lead to chronic pain.
Causes – Biceps tendinitis is usually caused by overuse when working with your arms overhead. This can happen as part of routine activities such as putting dishes in a tall cupboard or overexertion during sporting activities. Injury can also occur from improper lifting of a heavy object, which can completely dislodge the tendon from its insertion site and pull it down the arm. While one can still use one’s arm in such situations, repetitive activities such as opening a bottle cap can lead to loss of strength and cramps.
Symptoms – The severity of symptoms can be mild or severe depending on the injury. The most common are aches and pains in the front of the shoulder when used overhead, pain running down the biceps muscle, night pain when sleeping on the shoulder, and cramps. Diagnosis at the right time can help in early healing and prevent bigger problems. Depending on the severity, an orthopedist offers various treatment options.
Working with a qualified physical therapist can improve tendon mobility, strength and flexibility,…
