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Biceps Tendinitis

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Biceps Tendinitis and Injury

Anatomy of the Biceps

The Biceps Brachii (commonly called the biceps) is a muscle located at the front of the upper arm and attaches your arm bone (humerus) to your shoulder. It is the muscle that bumps up when you flex your arm and it functions to rotate your arm from pronation to supination (twist your palm upward), and to bend your elbow and shoulder.

Biceps tendinitis is often caused by repetitive overhead motions in our work, hobbies, and sports.

Biceps means ‘two heads’ in latin and the muscle earns its name because it joins at the shoulder in 2 places with 2 different ‘heads’, know as the proximal biceps tendonsbecause they are closest to the top of the arm. The short head of the biceps tendon originates at the coracoid process of the scapula (shoulder blade). The long head of the biceps originates just above the glenoid fossa (joint cavitiy) of the scapula (shoulder blade) and runs in front of the head of the humerus along thebicipital groove, like a rope through a pulley. The transverse humeral ligament runs over top of the long head biceps tendon, holding it against the humeral head. The 2 heads of the biceps then merge and go down the length of the upper arm. It attaches at the largest part of the radius(lower arm bone) at the elbow.

Both heads of the biceps muscle are attached to the shoulder bones with their respective tendons. These tendons can become irritated and inflamed from a strain or over use of the tendon. As a result, tendonitis, tenosynovitis or a biceps tendon rupture may occur.

Biceps Injuries

Biceps tendinitis can lead to tenosynovitis and possibly a biceps tendon rupture if left untreated

Biceps brachii tendon damage, inflammation, strain, or a tear typicallyaffects the long head tendon of the biceps, as it is much more involved with the biceps group of muscles and tendons. The biceps is a commonly injured area of the body due to the large range of motion and frequent use of the shoulder joint.

Biceps tendinitis, or bicipital tendinitis(also spelled tendonitis), is a painful condition that affects the fibres of the biceps brachii tendon. Tendinitis occurs when the biceps tendon experiences small tears, is irritated, and becomes inflamed. As tendonitis develops, the tendon shealth (covering) can becomethicker due to the tough scar tissue that builds up during healing. This thickening makes the tendon less flexible and prone to further injury.

Biceps tendonitis causes pain in your arm and/or shoulder and may lead to moresevere problems if left untreated. The tendon and its sheath can become bound together, a condition known as adhesive tenosynovitis, which can severely restrict the range of motion within the arm and shoulder. The walls of the tendon sheath can thicken which prevents the tendon from sliding through the opening that keeps it in place, a condition known as constrictive tenosynovitis. The bicep tendon can rupture, or tear, completely which may require surgery.

Biceps tenosynovitis is a common tendon injury that typically affects older athletes. The synovial sheath (outer covering) of the biceps brachii tendon becomes inflamed and swollen. This limits the biceps tendon’s ability to slide through the sheath smoothly and can cause scar tissue to build up between the tendon and its sheath restricting movement even more.