Duration | Inflammation of tendons in the upper arm

Duration

The duration of therapy for tendonitis can vary depending on the disease causing it. Several other factors can also influence the duration of the inflammation. The extent of the inflammation as well as a consistent implementation of the therapeutic measures have a considerable influence on the duration of the disease until healing.

Tendinitis is generally a very protracted disease that can last several weeks to months until complete recovery. Mild courses usually last for about 2 weeks, while other inflammations sometimes last up to 3 months until there are no symptoms. If there is still no improvement in symptoms after a few months, it is recommended to check again whether a systemic disease (a disease of the entire organism) could be responsible for the inflammation. In order not to negatively influence the duration of the inflammation, the tendon should be consistently protected and any physical strain on the affected upper arm should be avoided for the duration of the treatment. Regular visits to the doctor can help to monitor the course of treatment and, if necessary, make changes to the therapy that will shorten the overall duration of the disease.

Tendinitis in the shoulder

If tendonitis occurs on the upper arm, the pain usually occurs in the shoulder or armpit area. The tendons and muscles of the upper arm and the so-called rotator cuff run in this area. Tendons belonging to this muscle group are subject to particularly high stress and are therefore relatively often affected by inflammation.

The anatomical position of the tendons in this area additionally favors the development of inflammation. For example, the tendons at the shoulder run closely past the bone and can therefore be easily irritated and cause an inflammatory reaction. Another possibility for the development of tendon inflammation in the shoulder region is the calcification of a tendon. Even then, pain typically occurs in the shoulder area and can lead to tendonitis.

Tendinitis of the biceps tendon

The human biceps consists of two muscle bellies connected to the shoulder joint by a long and a short tendon. A common tendon connects the two bellies at the forearm bone. All three tendons can potentially be affected by tendonitis.

In most cases, however, the long tendon is affected when the biceps tendon is inflamed. Only in rare cases are the other two tendons affected. The long biceps tendon runs through a small channel on the humerus through the capsule of the shoulder joint.

If changes occur in this area, for example shoulder joint arthrosis, accidents, inflammation of the shoulder joint or a tightness under the acromion in the so-called impingement syndrome, the biceps tendon can also be affected. Due to the change, the tendon rubs against the bone. Long-term irritation ultimately leads to an inflammation in the biceps tendon.

Patients with an inflammation of the biceps tendon often complain of a reduction in strength and pain when lifting the arm. In addition, the inflammation can lead to redness, swelling and restricted mobility. You can find detailed information under biceps tendon inflammation.

Pain with an inflammation of the biceps tendon occurs mainly when the arm is raised. Pain can occur both when the arm is stretched forward and when it is stretched backward. Pain can also occur when the arm is bent. Patients often complain of a dull throb in the area of the upper arm and shoulder. A very sudden pain immediately after an accident speaks more against an inflammation and more in favor of a biceps tendon rupture.