Causes

Biceps tendon inflammation usually affects the long tendon of the biceps. The causes of the inflammation are usually excessive strain on the tendon, e.g. due to excessive strength training. Throwing sports such as basketball, handball or golf promote an inflammatory reaction of the strained tendon.

It is also possible that the biceps tendon has already been damaged by an accident or other illnesses, so that it is easily irritated and becomes inflamed under stress. The so-called impingement syndrome, in which a narrowing within the shoulder joint occurs, is also considered to be a trigger for biceps tendon inflammation. If the short biceps tendon is affected by the inflammation, often no clear cause can be found.

Cortisone for inflammation of the biceps tendon

Cortisone is an endogenous hormone that belongs to the glucocorticoids and is naturally produced in the adrenal cortex from cortisol. However, it is also very well known for its use as a drug in various diseases, but it is also subject to many prejudices. However, strict drug guidelines regulate when and to what extent cortisone can be used.

The spectrum of action of cortisone is broad, for example it inhibits inflammatory reactions and suppresses reactions of the immune system, prevents vomiting after taking certain cancer drugs and slows down cell division. During therapy with cortisone it is important to take it in the morning after getting up, if possible, since the release of the body’s own cortisone also takes place through the adrenal cortex. Besides it is important not to stop the therapy abruptly since it can come otherwise to the so-called Rebound effect, with which the symptoms strengthen again. With a biceps tendon inflammation, an injection of cortisone is usually considered if there is no clear improvement of the symptoms after 4-6 weeks of conservative treatment. The injection of cortisone can be painful for the person affected, but usually helps to quickly get the inflammatory reaction under control.