Biceps tendinopathy
Cause
The most common cause is overuse after frequent and repetitive movements. Inflammation can occur gradually due to wear and tear or after an injury.
Symptoms
You feel a deep, sharp pain at the level of the front and top of the shoulder. The pain may radiate to the front of the upper arm and increases with overhead movements.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis is made based on your symptoms and a clinical examination. Additional tests may be needed if necessary. The easiest way to diagnose biceps tendinopathy is an ultrasound.
Optionally, an arthro-NMR scan (MRI) can confirm the diagnosis and/or determine the difference between a partial or complete tear.
Treatment
Non-surgical attempts to solve the problem are always made first. Avoiding intense activities and taking rest can help. In addition, you may receive anti-inflammatory medication combined with physical therapy. Rehabilitation exercises can help prevent stiffness and regain normal mobility.
If medication and physical therapy do not help enough, surgery may be necessary. If, during surgery, it is found that the tendon is very weakened due to inflammation or tears, it will be fixed or cut. In younger people it is more likely to be chosen to fix the tendon in its groove, in older people the tendon is often sutured downward to take the tension off.
Want to know more about your rehabilitation?
After surgery, we focus on pain reduction and regaining mobility. For this, you will receive mobilization exercises from the physical therapist. Only after two to four weeks will you receive active exercises for the biceps tendon. A total of six to eight weeks of physical therapy may be required, and usually full recovery takes three to four months. You can follow an orthopaedic rehabilitation program to help your recovery.
Departments
For more information, contact the department of orthopaedics.