Bicep Tendonitis: Arm Pain for Athletes

The risk of injury is common in most, if not all, sporting activities. Even if a person doesn’t play anywhere near the frequency or intensity of professionals, a nagging injury can ultimately be developed. This is because not all injuries necessarily occur within one play, as some can be caused by time and constant wear on a particular body part.

A common type of injury caused by repetitive stress is bicep tendonitis. While commonly associated with aging, this injury can happen even to a young individual, particularly if they participate in a sport or physical activity with frequent overhead arm movement, such as swimming, baseball, tennis, and weight lifting.

Bicep tendonitis is best described as the inflammation or irritation of the biceps tendon. This part of the body is what connects the upper end of the bicep muscles to the bones in the shoulder. When the injury develops and is not treated immediately, the continued strain the tendon experiences can eventually lead to a lack of mobility for the entire arm.

Because its symptoms resemble other medical conditions and sports injuries, it is recommended to consult with a sports medicine practitioner for proper diagnosis. It may just feel like a common sore shoulder, but if the discomfort lasts for more than 24 hours, then a professional must be consulted immediately.

For the meantime, the shoulder can be iced to reduce swelling, and overhead activities must be avoided to prevent further injury and avoid the need for surgical treatment.