What are the bicep tendons?

Bicep tendons are the connective tissue that attaches your bicep muscle to the bones in your shoulder and elbow. The strong strips of tissue give you the ability to move your arms and carry heavy loads. 

While tendons are tough, overuse or forceful movements that involve your bicep may injure the bicep tendon. 

What are bicep tendon injuries?

Bicep tendon injuries may affect the tendon at the shoulder or the elbow. Types of bicep tendon injuries include:

Bicep tendonitis

Bicep tendonitis is inflammation of the tendon. This inflammation occurs from overuse of the tendon, resulting in microtears in the tissue. Bicep tendonitis may occur in the elbow or shoulder, but usually not in both tendons at the same time. 

If you have bicep tendonitis in the shoulder, you may also have rotator cuff tendonitis (inflammation of the rotator cuff tendons).

Bicep tears

A bicep tear is a separation of the tendon from the bone. Bicep tears may occur from overuse or an acute injury. Bicep tears may occur at the elbow or shoulder and are partial or complete tears. 

When do bicep tendon injuries need orthopedic care?

Bicep tendon injuries need orthopedic care when they cause pain that affects your daily life. You can treat mild bicep tendonitis without professional care. 

However, you should schedule an appointment at Dearborn and Livonia Orthopedics & Sports Medicine if you have ongoing arm pain, pain that worsens over time, or limited use of your arm.

You need immediate care if you have a bicep tendon tear. These injuries cause sudden, sharp pain along with a popping or snapping sound at the time of the injury. 

What are the treatments for bicep tendon injuries?

Taking a patient-centered approach to care, Dearborn and Livonia Orthopedics & Sports Medicine customizes your bicep tendon injury treatment plan based on the type of injury you have.

When possible, your provider takes a nonsurgical approach, which may include:

• Icing
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Activity modification
• Physical therapy
• Corticosteroid injections

If you have a complete bicep tendon tear, your provider at Dearborn and Livonia Orthopedics & Sports Medicine may recommend surgery to repair the damage.

The surgeons use minimally invasive techniques when repairing a bicep tendon tear to reduce postsurgical pain and recovery time.

To get help for your bicep tendon injury, call Dearborn and Livonia Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, or schedule an appointment online today.