Tendon Injuries

What is Tendon Injuries?

Biceps Tendonitis/Tendinopathy:

Biceps tendinopathy, commonly known as biceps tendinitis, is a condition characterised by inflammation or irritation of the biceps tendon, which connects the biceps muscle to the shoulder joint. This inflammation is typically the result of repetitive microtears in the tendon, often caused by overuse or repetitive stress.

Biceps tendon problems often affect active people aged 18 to 35, especially those in sports like throwing, swimming, gymnastics, martial arts, or contact sports. In these cases, the tendon gets pinched (secondary impingement) because of issues like poor shoulder blade control, loose or tight shoulder joints, or injuries like labral or rotator cuff tears. These problems can cause the biceps tendon to rub or get squeezed in the shoulder.

People with biceps tendinitis often feel a deep, aching pain in the front of the shoulder, especially when lifting the arm or reaching overhead. The pain may start off mildly but can get worse with activity. Some people also notice weakness in the shoulder or arm, making it harder to lift objects or rotate the arm. In certain cases, the shoulder may feel stiff, or there may be a snapping, clicking, or popping sensation when moving the arm.

Tricep’s tendonitis:

Triceps tendinitis is the name given to irritation or inflammation of the triceps tendon located at the base of the triceps muscle at the back of the elbow.

Tricep tendinopathies are more common in weightlifters, throwing athletes and soccer players due to the constant elbow extension movement. People with reduced strength or flexibility when lifting heavy objects increase the risk of triceps’ tendonitis.

Triceps tendinitis typically presents as pain, tenderness or stiffness in the back of the elbow made worse by elbow use and relieved by rest.

Biceps brachii sprain and strain injuries:

The biceps brachii muscle is a two-headed muscle that crosses both the shoulder and elbow joints and is responsible for flexing the elbow, supinating (externally rotating) the forearm and assisting with forward movement of the shoulder joint. Biceps brachii sprain and strain injuries are injuries to the biceps brachii muscle. A sprain refers to an injury of a ligament while a strain refers to an injury of a muscle.

Sprains and strains typically occur due to injury such as direct trauma, a fall or by lifting something too heavy, or due to repetitive overuse of the muscle without adequate recovery time. These cause over-stretching and possible tearing of the ligament or muscle fibres.

Biceps brachii sprain and strain injuries present as sudden, sharp pain in the upper arm, sometimes accompanied by an audible snap, tenderness over the shoulder or elbow, as well as cramping, bruising and/or weakness of the biceps brachii muscle.

Bicep tendon tears:

The biceps brachii muscle is a two-headed muscle that crosses both the shoulder and elbow joints and is responsible for flexing the elbow, supinating (externally rotating) the forearm and assisting with forward flexion of the shoulder joint. Tendons attach muscle to bones, and a tearing of a bicep’s tendon may be either partial (incomplete tear) or complete (splitting the tendon into two pieces).A bicep tear is a complete or partial tear of the bicep muscle or tendons, which can lead to loss of strength or mobility. A bicep strain or tear is caused by excess strain on the shoulder due to overuse.

There are two main causes of biceps tendon tears, and these are injury and overuse. Injury typically occurs through falling onto an outstretched hand, while overuse is a gradual process whereby repetitive microtrauma causes the tendon to weaken, fray and slowly tear over time. The long head of the biceps is the most susceptible to biceps tendon tears, however because the short head of the biceps rarely tears, many people can still use their biceps muscle even after a complete tear of the long head. These injuries typically occur from overuse, especially in sports like swimming, tennis, or football that involve repetitive shoulder or elbow movements. Acute bicep tears or strains can also result from a sudden, forceful movement, such as lifting something too heavy or twisting the elbow in an awkward way, causing immediate pain and potential damage to the muscle or tendon.

Common symptoms include sudden sharp pain, bruising, swelling, muscle cramping, and in some cases, a visible bulge in the upper arm where the muscle has recoiled (often referred to as a “Popeye muscle”).

Here at Precision Health we offer services such as Chiropractic care, Physiotherapy and massage therapy which can aid in your recovery from Tendon injuries. Call (02) 9639 7337 or visit our website to book an appointment now!

Sources:

Racich, C. and Tainter, N. (no date) Biceps tendinopathy,Physiopedia. Available at: https://www.physio-pedia.com/Biceps_Tendinopathy (Accessed: 18 September 2023).
De Proft , J. (no date) Triceps tendonitis, Physiopedia. Available at: https://www.physio-pedia.com/Triceps_tendonitis (Accessed: 18 September 2023).
Faruqi, T. and Rizvi., T.J. (2023) Subacromial Bursitis, National Library of Medicine. Available at:https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK541096/#:~:text=Subacromial%20bursitis%20is%20a%20common,repetitive%20overhead%20activities%20or%20trauma. (Accessed: September 2023).

Churgay C. A. (2009). Diagnosis and treatment of biceps tendinitis and tendinosis. American family physician, 80(5), 470–476.

Bon Secours. (n.d.). Bicep tear or strain. Bon Secours. https://www.bonsecours.com/health-care-services/orthopedics-sports-medicine/shoulder/conditions/bicep-tear-or-strain

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