The biceps muscle bifurcates into two tendons at the shoulder, which is the long tendon and the short tendon. The long tendon goes over the upper arm’s top and attaches to the shoulder blade’s top.
Long tendon inflammation of the biceps muscle, also known as biceps tendinitis, is a common condition that may typically affect weightlifters, golfers, throwers, rowers, and swimmers.
Innovative, cordial, and board certified orthopedic surgeons at the Thomas & Bigler Knee & Shoulder Institute provide treatments for biceps inflammation to patients in Las Vegas, Nevada, and other cities and suburbs in The Sagebrush State.
Symptoms
Biceps tendon inflammation is characterized by pain at the shoulder’s front where the biceps muscle’s long head attaches. A patient can isolate the biceps tendon by lifting their arm straight up in front against resistance, which reproduces the pain at the shoulder front. An individual can also feel tenderness when they press over the tendon at the same point.
Treatment
An athlete inflicted with long head of biceps inflammation should rest until the pain subsides. The patient should apply ice to get relief from pain and inflammation. The patient should apply ice for 10 to 15 minutes every hour in the beginning and thereby should reduce the frequency as there is gradual improvement. Patients must also consult a sports injury professional.
A sports injury specialist will prescribe ibuprofen or other anti-inflammatory medication. The specialist or a physical therapist may also demonstrate strengthening and stretching exercises as a part of a full rehabilitation program. A trained theapist may give a sports massage to the injured muscle. If the case is chronic then a sports injury specialist can apply a cross friction massage to the tendon.
Non-Surgical Treatment
An orthopedic surgeon will usually start the treatment of biceps tendinitis with simple methods, such as prescribing non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines and drugs like naproxen and ibuprofen to reduce swelling and pain. The surgeon may also prescribe cortisone steroids, which are impactful anti-inflammatory medicines. Steroid injections in the tendon can bring about pain relief.
Physical therapy, including specific strengthening and stretching exercises may also be prescribed to help restore the strength and motion of the shoulder.
Surgical Treatment
If the patient’s condition does not become better with non-surgical treatment, then a surgeon may offer to operate. Surgery also makes for a prudent option if the patient is afflicted with other shoulder problems.
Arthroscopic Surgery
Arthroscopic surgery involves inserting of an arthroscope and very small surgical instruments into the joint of the shoulder. Biceps tendinitis surgery is generally performed arthroscopically as it allows the surgeon to assess the biceps tendon’s condition as well as the other shoulder structures.
The arthroscope is a small camera that shows images on a television screen, which are used by the surgeon to guide the miniature surgical instruments.
Biceps Tenodesis
In some cases, a surgeon can carry out biceps tenodesis where the bicep’s damaged section is removed and the remaining tendon is reattached to the humerus. Salient, astute, and board certified orthopedic surgeons Dr. Steven Thomas and Dr. Gregory Bigler receive patients from Las Vegas, Nevada, and other neighborhoods and towns in this area of the southwest for the treatment of biceps inflammation.
If you would like to schedule an appointment or learn more about the Knee and Shoulder Institute procedures & treatments performed by Las Vegas, Nevada board certified surgeons Steven C. Thomas, MD and Gregory T. Bigler, MD. call (702) 933-9393; Physical Therapy (702) 933-9393.