Causes

Causes of biceps tendon inflammation are usually overstraining due to a heavy load on the biceps, e.g. during weight training and weight lifting. Due to the location of the biceps tendon between the two bony projections on the upper arm (tuberculi major et minor) in the so-called biceps furrow (sulcus intertubercularis), the tendon is exposed to irritation. Changes in the shoulder joint, such as inflammatory diseases, osteoarthritis or impingement (shoulder stenosis) can lead to additional strain on the tendon, which promotes the development of inflammation. Acute injuries, such as a fall on the shoulder, can also cause the biceps tendon to become inflamed. If there is no identifiable cause, it is called idiopathic biceps tendon inflammation.

Duration

The duration of the biceps tendon inflammation also depends on the cause of its development and the pre-treatment of the past time. If an inflammation of the biceps tendon is quickly recognized and is caused, for example, by an acute trauma or a one-time overload, the healing time should be shorter.In the case of chronic inflammation after long-term overloading and always possibly previous inflammation, the healing time can last much longer (several months). In case of pain in the front upper arm during or after an acute strain, the arm should therefore be spared as a preventive measure. Cooling or ointments can prevent the development of an inflammation.

Biceps tendon inflammation at the elbow

The biceps is one of the most important supinators (the turning of the forearm outwards), it also supports flexion in the elbow. The base of the biceps is located at the spoke at the so-called tuberositas radii, a roughness on the bone. In the case of an inflammation of the biceps tendon, the origin at the shoulder blade is usually affected, but the attachment tendon at the elbow can also be painful in the case of overloading.

Biceps tendon inflammation on the shoulder

The biceps originates with its two tendons near the glenoid cavity of the shoulder head. The long tendon runs through the sulcus intertubercularis (see above) and is therefore more susceptible to mechanical stress. Due to the course of the tendon, the biceps can spread the arm away from the body.

Only the long head of the biceps performs this task. If the tendon becomes inflamed, this function often fails due to pain. The short biceps tendon becomes inflamed less frequently. It is important for lifting the arm. However, the entire muscle is responsible for both origins of the elbow movement described above.