Is my shoulder pain biceps tendinitis? Ask our orthopedist

The muscles in our arms known as the biceps play an important role in many everyday activities or jobs that involve lifting and pulling, and are central to any sport that require overhead motions such as swimming, racquet sports and throwing a ball. Over the course of time, it’s common for the upper biceps tendon — a strong, flexible cord connecting the muscle to the shoulder socket — to wear down. Our orthopedist J. Turner Vosseller, MD has often diagnosed conditions affecting this muscle as biceps tendinitis, also referred to as tendonitis, and has great success in guiding patients to recovery.

How can you tell if you may have biceps tendinitis? Typical symptoms include an ache or pain that radiates down through the bone in your upper arm; tenderness and weakness when lifting your arms overhead or during athletic activity; or a snapping sensation in the shoulder. This condition often occurs along with other problems, typically damage to the rotator cuff tendons and arthritis. 

A thorough examination by our orthopedist includes a hands-on assessment to check for the shoulder’s stability, strength and range of motion. We’ll want to know about your medical history and the regular activities that are putting a strain on your shoulders. Images such as an X-ray or MRI may be needed to confirm a diagnosis.

Treatment can range from simply resting the injured shoulder, to using anti-inflammatories or steroid injections, and physical therapy to gradually strengthen the shoulder and restore comfortable range of motion. If your symptoms don’t improve, our orthopedist may offer a surgical option, especially if there are other conditions of the shoulder. This procedure is highly successful, and our patients typically re-gain strength and flexibility without experiencing pain. 

At J. Turner Vosseller, MD, we specialize in restoring your ability to perform the activities that are most important to you — pain-free and with confidence — at home, at work, or at play. If you have questions or concerns about shoulder pain or weakness, please contact our office today.

By J. Turner Vosseller

March 30, 2023