Distal Bicep Tendonitis
What Is Bicep Tendonitis?
The biceps muscle has two attachment points at the shoulder — a short head and a long head bicep tendon, which travels through a groove at the front of the shoulder joint before attaching inside the joint capsule. Bicep tendonitis — also written as tendonitis of bicep — refers to inflammation of this long head biceps tendon, usually caused by repetitive overhead movement, overuse, or irritation from a co-existing shoulder problem such as impingement.
Because the long head of biceps tendon (sometimes written as long head tendon bicep or tendon of the long head of the biceps) sits so close to the rotator cuff and shoulder joint, bicep tendonitis long head symptoms and rotator cuff problems frequently overlap or occur together.
Symptoms of Bicep Tendonitis
The most common symptom is pain at the front of the shoulder, sometimes described simply as bicep discomfort or biceps hurting, which can radiate down towards the elbow. Other symptoms include:
- Pain that worsens with overhead lifting or reaching
- A dull ache that can become sharper with resisted movement
- Tenderness directly over the front of the shoulder
- In some cases, a biceps lump — this can indicate a tendon rupture, where the muscle belly bunches lower in the arm (‘Popeye deformity’), and is worth having assessed promptly
Bicep Tendonitis Treatment at Alton Pain Clinic
At Alton Pain Clinic, we offer ultrasound-guided cortisone injections targeted at the biceps tendon sheath to reduce inflammation and relieve pain associated with long head biceps tendonitis (also written long head of bicep tendonitis). Ultrasound guidance is particularly valuable here, as the tendon sheath is a narrow target close to important surrounding structures.
- Ultrasound-guided cortisone injection into the biceps tendon sheath
- Activity modification to reduce repetitive overhead strain
Pain Relief with Ultrasound-Guided Cortisone Injections
Cortisone is a powerful anti-inflammatory medication that works by reducing inflammation in the affected tendon. When injected into the area surrounding the distal biceps tendon under ultrasound guidance, cortisone helps to reduce swelling, which in turn alleviates pain and improves tendon function.
- Inflammation Reduction
Inflammation is the primary cause of pain in Distal Biceps Tendon Pain. By directly targeting the inflamed tissue, cortisone injections can significantly decrease inflammation, leading to a reduction in pain and discomfort. - Enhanced Tendon Function
By reducing inflammation and pain, cortisone injections can help improve the function of the distal biceps tendon. This improvement in tendon function can enhance overall arm strength and mobility, making it easier to perform daily activities. - Improved Quality of Life
Effective management of Distal Biceps Tendon Pain with cortisone injections can lead to a better quality of life. Patients often experience reduced pain, improved tendon function, and greater ease in performing routine tasks.
Benefits of Ultrasound-Guided Cortisone Injections
- Accurate Delivery of Medication
The use of ultrasound guidance ensures that the cortisone injection is precisely administered to the affected area. This targeted delivery maximises the therapeutic benefits, reducing inflammation and alleviating pain more effectively than non-guided injections. - Minimally Invasive Treatment
Ultrasound-guided cortisone injections are minimally invasive, reducing the risk of complications and minimising recovery time. This makes them an ideal choice for patients seeking a quick and effective solution to manage their tendon pain. - Immediate Feedback During Treatment
Real-time visualisation during the injection allows for immediate feedback, ensuring that the medication is placed accurately. This precision reduces the likelihood of injury to surrounding tissues and improves overall treatment outcomes.
Your Care Pathway with us
Your Care Pathway with us
- To book an appointment you can call our reception line, 0142084487, or email to info@altonpainclinic.co.uk or click the button given below.
- Comprehensive Musculoskeletal examination and testing.
- Same day Ultrasound Guided Injection for pain relief.
- Discussion of your treatment plan, treatment plan can include advanced treatments for example Cortisone Injections, Hyaluronic injections and various other options tailored to your specific needs.
Anatomy of the Distal Biceps Tendon
The biceps brachii muscle, located in the upper arm, has two tendinous attachments at its top (proximal tendon) and one at the bottom (distal tendon). The distal biceps tendon connects the muscle to the radial tuberosity in the forearm. Its primary functions are to:
- Flex the elbow joint, bringing the hand towards the shoulder.
- Rotate the forearm (supination), enabling the palm to turn upwards.
Due to its crucial role, injury or inflammation of this tendon often results in both pain and functional impairment.
How Is Bicep Tendonitis Diagnosed?
Your clinician will likely perform a test biceps tendonitis assessment — commonly Speed’s test or Yergason’s test — checking for pain when resisting specific arm movements as part of a bicep tendonitis test. Because tendonitis in bicep symptoms can overlap with rotator cuff conditions, an ultrasound scan is often used to confirm the diagnosis and rule out associated shoulder pathology.
Choosing Alton Pain Clinic for Biceps Tendonitis
If bicep tendonitis is causing persistent pain, discomfort or difficulty with lifting and overhead activities, seeking appropriate treatment can help improve your shoulder function and quality of life. At Alton Pain Clinic, we provide cortisone injections to help reduce pain and inflammation associated with bicep tendonitis. Your symptoms will be assessed to determine whether an injection is suitable for you, with the aim of helping you return to more comfortable movement and everyday activities.
FAQs About Bicep Tendonitis
What is bicep tendonitis?
Bicep tendonitis is inflammation of the biceps tendon, commonly causing pain at the front of the shoulder and discomfort during lifting or overhead activities.
What causes bicep tendonitis?
Bicep tendonitis can develop from repetitive shoulder movements, overuse, sports activities, or changes to the tendon associated with ageing.
What does bicep tendonitis feel like?
Common symptoms include pain at the front of the shoulder, bicep tendon pain, tenderness and discomfort that may worsen when lifting or reaching overhead.
Can a cortisone injection help bicep tendonitis?
A cortisone injection may help reduce pain and inflammation associated with bicep tendonitis. Your clinician can assess whether this treatment is suitable for your symptoms.
Are cortisone injections used to treat bicep tendonitis at Alton Pain Clinic?
Yes. At Alton Pain Clinic, we provide cortisone injections for suitable patients with bicep tendonitis to help manage pain and inflammation.