Diagnose

Repair

About Biceps Tendinitis

Signs and Symptoms

The bicepts muscle is located in the front of the upper arm. Tendons connect one end of the biceps muscle to the shoulder in two places. The other end of the muscle is connected by tendons near the elbow (attached to the radius). Tendinitis occurs when these tendons become inflamed or irritated. Injuries to the biceps tendons are commonly caused by repetitive overhead activity.

Symptoms include:

• Pain when the arm is overhead or bent.
• Localized tenderness or a burning sensation as the tendon passes over the groove in the upper arm bone.
• Occasionally, a snapping sound or sensation in the shoulder area.

Non-surgical and surgical options are available for treating biceps tendonitis.

September 2000, AAOS