Tendinitis
Definition
The term “biceps tendon inflammation” refers to the presence of inflammatory processes in the area of the biceps tendon. In most cases, these inflammatory processes affect the long tendon of the biceps muscle. It is therefore not directly an inflammation of the muscle.
Introduction
The biceps (Musculus biceps brachii) is a skeletal muscle in the area of the upper arm. It is composed of two different muscle heads (long head and short head; Caput longum et breve). These two muscle heads originate at different points on the shoulder blade and unite to form a single muscle belly in the middle section of the upper arm.
The biceps is mainly involved in the supination of the forearm (rotation of the forearm so that the thumb rotates around the hand from inside to outside). In addition, the arm can be guided away from the body when the long biceps head is tensed in isolation (abduction). If both heads of the muscle contract at the same time, the arm is guided forward starting from the basic posture (anteversion).
In addition, the biceps is involved in the internal rotation of the arm. Due to the sometimes heavy loads acting on the biceps, various diseases are particularly frequent in this muscle area. The long tendon in particular is subject to particular mechanical stress due to its course through the shoulder joint.
For this reason, the long biceps tendon in particular is at risk of developing painful fraying or entrapment. In addition to the particularly common rupture of the biceps tendon (rupture of the biceps tendon), an inflammation of the biceps tendon can be provoked by regular strength training. Further risk factors for the development of a biceps tendon inflammation are posture and movement errors, old age and diseases of the shoulder joint.
Persons who suffer from pain in the shoulder and upper arm area over a longer period of time should definitely consult a specialist as soon as possible. Only early diagnosis and initiation of appropriate treatment can prevent consequential damage to the biceps tendon. If an inflammation of the biceps tendon develops, the long tendon of the muscle is affected in about 90 percent of cases.
Inflammatory processes in the area of the short biceps tendon, on the other hand, are relatively rare. Furthermore, it can be observed that biceps tendon inflammation usually affects the dominant arm. An inflammation of the long biceps tendon of the muscle is usually accompanied by signs of wear and tear.
Especially for people who regularly practice throwing sports (such as baseball or handball), there is an increased risk of developing biceps tendon inflammation. Furthermore, biceps tendon inflammation can often be observed in strength athletes and/or golfers. The reason for this is the long-term overloading of the biceps tendon.
A pre-damage of the long biceps tendon, which can tire after a certain period of time in a biceps tendon inflammation, is also often caused by a sudden trauma. In particular, severe falls or blunt force trauma in the shoulder joint area can attack the tendon structure and promote the development of biceps tendon inflammation. Inflammatory processes in the area of the short tendon of the muscle, on the other hand, often develop for no apparent reason.
In medical terminology, this is known as idiopathic biceps tendon inflammation. Another typical cause for the occurrence of inflammatory processes in the area of the long biceps tendon is the so-called “impingement syndrome“. This disease causes a narrowing within the shoulder joint.
Especially when the arm is lifted laterally, the humerus is brought too close to the acromion. In this way, the long tendon of the muscle is regularly subjected to considerable strain. In addition, inflammation of the biceps tendon can also occur in the acute phase of so-called “shoulder stiffness” or in rheumatoid diseases of the shoulder.
