Rupture of the biceps brachii. Ruptured biceps. Symptoms of a biceps tendon injury

The mechanism of development of the inflammatory process in the area of ​​a muscle or ligament is very complex and not fully understood. But, as medical research in this area shows, an autoimmune process is at the core.

If the diseases that are the etiological factor are not treated, the production of antibodies begins in the body. Antibodies begin to attack tissues in the body, including ligaments and muscles.

Thus, the inflammatory process develops.

Causes of the disease

The development of tendonitis may be preceded by:

  1. Chronic increased sports or occupational stress:
    • tennis players, volleyball players, baseball players, weightlifters, gymnasts, acrobats, etc .;
    • builders, drivers, movers, etc.
  2. Constant microtrauma.
  3. Reactive, infectious, allergic, rheumatoid arthritis.
  4. Degenerative changes in bone structures (osteoarthritis).
  5. Cervical osteochondrosis.
  6. Gout
  7. Prolonged immobilization of the shoulder after injury or surgery.
  8. Congenital dysplasia of the shoulder joint and other causes.

Types of shoulder tendinitis

The following types of shoulder tendon pathologies are diagnosed:

  • rotator cuff tendonitis:
    • supraspinatus muscle, infraspinatus, round and subscapularis;
  • tendonitis of the biceps tendon (biceps muscle);
  • calcifying tendonitis;
  • partial or complete rupture of the tendons.

Symptoms of the disease

The disease manifests itself with just a few symptoms. First of all, this is pain that is felt along the front of the shoulder. It can extend downward and even reach the elbow.

Any attempt to raise an arm or carry a weight increases the pain. In the initial stage of the disease, it can disappear without a trace during rest. Also, the patient may complain about clicks, which are audible even at some distance. This symptom is characteristic of biceps instability.

In the final stage of inflammation, the tendon is completely detached. The main symptom is deformity of the arm due to the fact that the biceps brachii muscle contracted towards the elbow. Painful sensations against the background of a rupture pass rather quickly.

In most cases, there are practically no symptoms at the initial stage of the development of the disease. As the disease develops in the muscles or tendons, you can observe the following symptoms:

  • redness of the skin in the area of ​​the damaged ligament;
  • pain;
  • violation of motor function;
  • nodular formations under the skin.

It is worth noting that the general clinical picture can be supplemented by other symptoms if another disease has become the cause of tendonitis.

If rheumatic diseases are the cause of tendonitis, then the following signs can be added to the general list of symptoms:

  • severe joint pain;
  • deformation of the fingers on lower limbs;
  • dyspnea;
  • blue tips of the fingers.

The pain most often worries the patient in morning time... By the evening, the pain becomes less pronounced. At rest pain syndrome in ligaments or muscles is practically not observed.

Biceps tendonitis manifests itself as persistent or intermittent pain in the shoulder or front of the shoulder. Sometimes the pain spreads down to the muscles in the center of the arm.

The symptoms of biceps tendonitis are usually worse when lifting something. Many patients may also occasionally hear pops and a clicking sensation in the shoulder area.

It occurs when the biceps tendon becomes unstable and slams back and forth against the biceps groove, a small gyrus or groove on the top of the humerus where the tendon joins.

Biceps tendonitis is usually treated with rest and activity adjustments. If the condition worsens and the above methods do not work, the long head tendon may remain painful, unstable, or in some cases sprained.

When the biceps tendon stops sliding in the biceps groove, it can lead to a ruptured lip or SLAP tear. In this case, surgery is sometimes required.

Diagnostics

Laboratory and instrumental diagnostic methods are used. The patient's own and family history is also taken into account.

The laboratory research program includes the following:

Instrumental diagnostics includes the following methods:

Based on the analyzes, a competent specialist can make an accurate diagnosis and prescribe the correct treatment.

  • The primary diagnosis is based on a test assessment of pain during movement and palpation.
  • X-ray can provide confirmation of the diagnosis, but it mainly reveals calcium deposits.
  • A more accurate examination (MRI, CT) reveals degenerative inflammatory processes in the tendons, as well as microtrauma.

Treatment methods

In most cases, treatment of tendonitis does not require surgery. The standard program includes the following:

  • limb fixation;
  • the use of anti-inflammatory drugs (including local use);
  • physiotherapy procedures.

Surgical intervention in the treatment of tendonitis is used only in extreme cases - when the inflammatory process has passed into a purulent stage. After the operation, the patient should undergo a rehabilitation course with exercise therapy.

  1. At first, a restriction of movement is introduced for two to three weeks.
  2. To relieve pain and inflammation, NSAIDs are prescribed orally:
    • nimesil, ketorol, nurofen.
  3. Local treatment is also used in the form of ointments and gels - containing NSAIDs and irritating effects:
  4. With severe pain, glucocorticoids are injected into the periarticular tissues of the shoulder (with the exception of biceps tendinitis).
  5. Physiotherapy methods are effective:
    • electro- and phonophoresis;
    • magnetotherapy;
    • balneotherapy;
    • cryotherapy;
    • shock wave therapy (SWT) - this method is especially effective for calcifying tendinitis.

Physiotherapy and prevention

Exercise therapy is the main treatment for tendonitis. Active movements (rotation of the shoulders, raising the arms above the head, swinging, spreading the arms to the sides) should be used when the pain subsides.

During a period when movements still cause pain, you need to use exercises of the following plan:

the main task Treatment for tendinitis of the shoulder joint is reduced to reducing pain, relieving inflammation from the tendon and restoring the motor functions of the shoulder joint.

The therapy process is carried out on an outpatient basis. Great importance is given to physical exercise, aimed at a gradual increase in the range of motion.

There is a whole range of exercises aimed at restoring the working capacity of the tendon and muscles of the shoulder joint. But in no case should you overload your shoulder.

At the initial stage of the disease, conservative treatment is not required. It is enough just to weaken the loads and apply cold to the sore spot.

With severe pain, injections of drugs of the group of glucocorticoids, anesthetics, and platelet-rich plasma are prescribed.

They quickly eliminate painful symptoms and relieve the inflammatory process. In some cases, the doctor may prescribe the wearing of a tight bandage or bandage.

At the third stage of the disease, resection of a part of the acromion is possible. Such surgical intervention will require further long-term rehabilitation and temporary disability.

Good effect provide physiotherapy procedures:

Local therapy with ointments and gels provides a quick positive effect... These drugs are applied externally to a previously washed skin surface. It is recommended to rub in gels and ointments 2-3 times a day.

In the absence of positive results from the use of the above methods, the patient may be prescribed antibiotic treatment.

ethnoscience

Shoulder tendonitis treatment has a positive dynamics folk remedies:

  1. Curcumin effectively relieves pain and inflammation. It is used as a seasoning for food.
  2. Bird cherry fruits contain tannins, which are necessary for the treatment of tendonitis. They have a firming and anti-inflammatory effect.
  3. Walnut partitions are infused with vodka for 20 days. The resulting infusion is taken orally 30 drops before meals.
  4. Ginger and sarsaparilla root, when combined with each other, have an anti-inflammatory effect on tendons and tissues.

If the disease is a consequence of an injury, then a cold compress must be applied to the injured area on the first day. On the following days, on the contrary, a warming compress will be needed.

With the development of chronic symptoms or a rupture of the long head of the biceps, it is necessary to consult a doctor.

Conservative

Management of tendonitis will depend on the severity of the symptoms and the results of examinations (such as an MRI). Sometimes even tears can be healed without surgery.

The first step will be a complete reduction in hand-assisted activities and rest. A sling (support band) may be needed to keep the arm stable at rest.

Applying ice several times a day for 20 minutes can help reduce swelling and pain. Nonsteroidal medications (such as ibuprofen) can also help a lot.

After a period of rest, your doctor may prescribe stretching physiotherapy and stretching exercises to restore range of motion.

Surgical

In most cases, surgery is necessary to relieve chronic pain caused by shoulder tendinitis. Quite often, biceps surgery accompanies procedures that address other shoulder problems, usually rotator cuff injuries.

Usually, the operation is done by arthroscopy, during which small incisions are made around the shoulder, into which a camera and thin instruments are inserted, allowing you to see the biceps muscle and manipulate it to repair it.

If during surgery it turns out that the damaged biceps tendon is too inflamed, we can remove that area and reconnect the remaining healthy tendon to the humerus.

This procedure, known as tenodesis, is extremely effective in treating painful symptoms and restoring lost functions in the patient.

More about biceps tenodesis ...

Surgical treatment of chronic tears of the long head of the biceps

Most long biceps tendon ruptures can be treated conservatively, but some patients experience persistent cramping and pain from the rupture.

It can also happen after an operation called a biceps tenotomy. Other patients may be concerned about muscle strain (Papaya muscle).

In these cases, the classic “biceps tenodesis” operation is also required to cure. Through a small incision, the ligament and the contracted tendon or muscle are returned to their previous state and re-reinforced to the shoulder.

This restores the muscle and it starts to work normally, while the deformation of the "Papaya muscle" will disappear.

Results and rehabilitation

Patients who have undergone arthroscopic shoulder surgery to treat shoulder tendinitis usually see excellent results. Most return to full range of motion within a few weeks. Rehabilitation and treatment are of great importance in restoring all functions.

Possible complications

In no case should the disease be allowed to take its course. The chronic phase of the pathology is fraught with atrophy of the connective tissues, and as a consequence - complete immobilization of the joint.

At an advanced stage of the disease, conservative treatment methods do not give the desired effect. Therefore, you have to resort to surgical intervention.

Forecast and prevention

With timely treatment for medical help and correct treatment, the disease does not cause any complications. There is no prevention of this disease as such. But you can significantly reduce the risk of the formation of an inflammatory process. To do this, you should apply several simple rules in practice:

  • training should take place only in special equipment;
  • shoes should be comfortable - not tight and non-slip;
  • infectious and viral diseases must be treated promptly and to the end.

Before serious sports training requiring a lot of stress, it is necessary to warm up. Strengthening the stress on muscles and joints should be gradual.

megan92 2 weeks ago

Tell me, who is how to deal with joint pain? My knees hurt terribly ((I drink painkillers, but I understand that I am struggling with the investigation, not the cause ... Nifiga does not help!

Daria 2 weeks ago

For several years I fought with my aching joints until I read this article by some Chinese doctor. And I have long forgotten about the "incurable" joints. Such are the things

megan92 12 days ago

Daria 12 days ago

megan92, so I wrote in my first comment) Well, I'll duplicate it, it's not difficult for me, catch it - link to professor's article.

Sonya 10 days ago

Isn't this a divorce? Why are the Internet selling ah?

yulek26 10 days ago

Sonya, what country do you live in? .. They sell it on the Internet, because shops and pharmacies charge a brutal markup. In addition, payment only after receipt, that is, first looked, checked and only then paid. Yes, and now everything is sold on the Internet - from clothes to TVs, furniture and cars.

  • Long biceps tendonitis

    Tendinitis is an inflammation of a tendon that initially occurs in the tendon sheath or bursa. In this case, this is an inflammatory process in that part of the tendon that connects upper part muscles of the biceps with the shoulder. Most often, the disease appears later on with too much workload, when performing a certain type of work or when playing sports.

    Clinical features of the disease

    There are also cases when tendonitis develops not due to excessive loads, but as a result of muscle wear and tear. With tendinitis in the localization of the long head of the biceps, pain is noted in the upper-anterior part of the shoulder girdle.

    In order for the regeneration of the tissue layer of the biceps tendon, it takes a lot of time. For example, if a person's professional duties are related to the performance of intensive and the same exercises with hands raised above the level of the head, or it is an athlete (tennis player, basketball player), the tendon part is subjected to regular excessive stress, and normal regeneration is simply not carried out on time ...

    When the tendon wears out, its tissue degenerative changes begin, collagen fibers get tangled and very often rupture. It becomes apparent that during this process, the tendon loses its strength and becomes inflamed, which can lead to rupture.

    Quite often, tendonitis of the long head of the biceps develops after a direct injury. For example, if a person falls on the shoulder, this will lead to the onset of the disease, and the transverse ligament of the shoulder may rupture.

    Features of tendonitis

    Thanks to this ligament, the formation of connective tissue is located in the bicypital notch, which is located near the apex of the humerus. When it breaks, the biceps does not hold in place and calmly slips out, subsequently it is irritated and inflamed.

    Disease can occur if the rotator cuff ruptures, impingement or shoulder instability occurs. If the cuff ruptures, this will allow the humerus to move indefinitely and act on the connective formation, which, naturally, will lead to its weakened state.

    The onset of the disease is also facilitated by shoulder instability, which occurs when the head of the humerus is excessively mobile inside the socket.

    The most important symptom of long biceps tendinitis is pain, which is dull in nature. Often the pain syndrome is localized in the front of the shoulder, but sometimes it goes down to the area where the biceps muscle is located.


    Painful sensations are one of the main principles of the disease

    Pain sensations increase during movement of the limb, especially if it is lifted up. When the limb is at rest, the pain subsides. Weakness is also observed when turning the forearm and flexing the elbow joint.

    First, the doctor interviews and examines the patient. The patient must give accurate answers about the nature of his work, about possible injuries suffered, if it is an athlete, then about the intensity of training.

    When examined by a doctor Special attention draws on how the patient performs certain movements, perhaps they are difficult as a result of muscle weakness and pain. A series of special tests are then performed to determine if the rotator cuff is damaged or if the shoulder is unstable.

    If the X-ray examination is not enough to select the most appropriate treatment, then the doctor may refer the patient for an MRI.


    Shoulder MRI result

    This study can provide much more information about the damaged biceps tendon, makes it possible to see if there is an inflammatory process, if the labrum is damaged, if there are tears in the rotator cuff.

    In order to determine if there are other problems with the shoulder joint, the doctor will order a diagnostic arthroscopy.

    Treatment of this disease can be of two types: conservative and surgical.

    The conservative method consists in completely unloading the biceps tendons, that is, the patient should exclude the slightest load on this area and provide the tendon with rest. NSAIDs are used to reduce pain and inflammation. Steroid shots are used very carefully because they often weaken the tendon even more.

    Without fail, the patient should undergo a course of physiotherapy procedures and exercise therapy. Physiotherapy treatment helps to reduce the inflammatory process as soon as possible, and exercise therapy helps to restore muscle mass.

    Physiotherapy

    If the patient works in such a field of activity where there is a risk of shoulder instability and rupture of the rotator cuff, then he will be advised to change the place of work. This will reduce pain and inflammation, and enable the person to live a full life.

    If conservative treatment has not brought any results and the person still suffers from pain, then surgical treatment is recommended. It is also used in case of other problems in the shoulder area. Most often, surgical treatment is acromioplasty. During the operation, which surgeons perform using arthroscopy, the anterior lobe of the acromion is removed.

    This makes it possible to expand the distance between the acromion and the adjacent head of the humerus, thus reducing the pressure on the tendon itself and the adjacent tissue.

    If the patient has severe degenerative changes in the tendon, then tenodesis of the biceps is performed. This method involves reattaching the upper lobe of the biceps tendon to the new site. Such an operation gives good result but unfortunately it is not durable.

    After the operation, rehabilitation lasts about six to eight weeks. A positive outcome will largely depend on the patient himself, that is, on his attitude towards a good end result. Doctors do not recommend lying down, soon after the operation, you need to start physical therapy.


    Exercise therapy for tendinitis

    The exercise therapy doctor will select a set of exercises and control the process of strengthening the muscles of the shoulder and forearm. Usually, positive dynamics is observed after two to four weeks.

    If the patient faithfully follows all the recommendations of the attending physician, then the full recovery of the shoulder and forearm will take three to four months.

    In order to avoid tendonitis of the long head of the biceps, it is necessary to adhere to the following recommendations. First, before training, carry out warming up and warm-up exercises, try not to do monotonous movements for a long time. Secondly, avoid physical overload and avoid injury. Change the load regularly, the intensity of the load should increase gradually, and, do not forget, take timely rest.

    Muscles and tendons are an essential part of the musculoskeletal system, together they provide movement for the joints. Violation of the tendon leads to the loss of normal motor function in the affected area, the patient cannot move the shoulder and experiences severe pain.


    Biceps tendonitis is an inflammatory disorder of the tendon in the area where it attaches to the biceps. Pathology occurs most often in people doing hard work and in athletes, and requires compulsory treatment under the supervision of a competent specialist.

    Biceps tendonitis is accompanied by the following symptoms:

    pain occurs in the shoulder, which grows over time, the pain also increases with physical exertion; during movement, crunching of the tendons may appear; sometimes swelling and redness occur in the area of ​​inflammation; the motor activity of the affected shoulder is impaired due to pain; with purulent tendinitis, the general body temperature, weakness, nausea and other symptoms of intoxication occur.

    The severity of tendonitis symptoms depends on the stage of the disease. Since pathology develops gradually, 3 degrees of pathology are distinguished:

    At the very beginning of the disease, pain is weak, discomfort occurs only when sharp movement hand and quickly pass. At the second stage, the pain is more pronounced, it occurs during physical exertion and does not go away for a long time. At the last stage, the symptoms are pronounced, attacks of pain disturb even at rest.

    It is best to start treatment at an early stage of tendonitis, so even with mild shoulder pains that appear regularly, you should definitely visit a specialist.

    Tendinitis is an inflammatory disease in which the main or long head of the biceps muscle is affected. The disease begins with inflammation of the tendon sheath and tendon bursa, and gradually passes to the muscle.


    According to the World Joint Disease Organization, 80% of people in the world have joint problems. The worst thing is that joint diseases lead to paralysis and disability. Today there is one effective remedy, which differs from all existing before this means.

    Interestingly, biceps tendonitis is a disease that affects more than just humans. The pathology is often observed in horses and cattle, biceps tendonitis in dogs is also common.

    Tendinitis of the biceps head is associated with increased physical exertion on the shoulder, abrupt monotonous movements, in which tendon microtrauma occurs. Most often, pathology occurs in professional athletes, for example tennis players, swimmers, as during training they perform active shoulder movements.


    If the athlete follows the training rules and allows the shoulder to rest, then the tendon will have time to recover normally, and inflammation will not occur. Otherwise, degenerative disorders and an inflammatory process will occur in the tendon, this condition can lead to its rupture if a person neglects treatment and continues to load the shoulder.

    Tendinitis of the biceps of the shoulder can occur not only with great physical exertion, but also with a shoulder injury. In this case, a rupture of the transverse ligament occurs, which fixes the tendon. As a result, it is displaced and injured, which leads to the formation of an inflammatory process.

    To prescribe an effective treatment for tendonitis, you must first correctly diagnose, for this you must definitely consult a doctor. The specialist will make an anamnesis, conduct an external examination and send for an ultrasound scan. Based on the results of the examination, the correct diagnosis will be established and the doctor will prescribe an effective therapy.

    Treatment of long biceps tendonitis begins with immobilization of the shoulder. The patient is forbidden to load the affected joint so as not to injure the tendon even more. Depending on the stage of the pathology, wearing a fixation bandage, orthosis, or even a plaster cast may be indicated.

    To relieve pain and inflammation, the patient is prescribed to take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and to use external agents. A course of physiotherapy, for example, magnetotherapy, electrophoresis with lidase, and other procedures prescribed by a doctor, depending on the stage of the disease, will also help speed up recovery.

    After the inflammation is removed, they are prescribed physiotherapy exercises and massage for biceps and triceps tendinitis, these procedures help restore blood circulation in the affected area, and normalize the motor activity of the joint. Massage and exercise therapy are especially effective if the patient has chronic biceps tendonitis.

    Treatment of biceps tendonitis is not always conservative; in severe cases, surgery may also be indicated. With purulent tendinitis, the doctor surgically cleans the tendon from pus. Also, the operation is performed when a tendon is ruptured, in which case the surgeon will restore it.

    Biceps tendonitis should be treated under the supervision of a specialist, otherwise it can become chronic. In complex therapy, it is allowed to use traditional medicine recipes, but it is recommended to consult a doctor before using the product.

    For tendinitis, the following folk recipes are used:

    Compresses from herbal decoctions are used to relieve inflammation and pain. With tendinitis, comfrey, chamomile, arnica, sage help well. In the acute stage of the disease, it is recommended to do a cold compress to stop the inflammatory process. During treatment, it is recommended to eat turmeric, it has an anti-inflammatory effect in tendonitis. Salt compresses are also helpful. To prepare such a product, it is best to use sea salt, it is dissolved in hot water and moistened with a solution of cheesecloth folded 3 times. Place the wet bandage in a plastic bag and refrigerate for 20 minutes. Remove the cold gauze from the bag, apply to the shoulder and secure with a bandage on top, keep until completely dry.

    (No ratings yet)

    Muscles and tendons are an essential part of the musculoskeletal system, together they provide movement for the joints. Violation of the tendon leads to the loss of normal motor function in the affected area, the patient cannot move the shoulder and experiences severe pain.

    Biceps tendonitis is an inflammatory disorder of the tendon in the area where it attaches to the biceps. Pathology occurs most often in people doing hard work and in athletes, and requires compulsory treatment under the supervision of a competent specialist.

    Symptoms of biceps tendonitis

    Biceps tendonitis is accompanied by the following symptoms:

    • pain occurs in the shoulder, which grows over time, and the pain also increases with physical exertion;
    • crunching of the tendon may appear during movement;
    • sometimes in the area of ​​inflammation there is swelling and redness;
    • the motor activity of the affected shoulder is disrupted due to pain;
    • with purulent tendonitis, the general body temperature rises, weakness, nausea and other symptoms of intoxication occur.

    The severity of tendonitis symptoms depends on the stage of the disease. Since pathology develops gradually, 3 degrees of pathology are distinguished:

    • At the very beginning of the disease, the pain is weak, unpleasant sensations arise only with a sharp movement of the hand and quickly pass.
    • In the second stage, the pain is more pronounced, it occurs during physical exertion and does not go away for a long time.
    • At the last stage, the symptoms are pronounced, attacks of pain disturb even at rest.

    It is best to start treatment at an early stage of tendonitis, so even with mild shoulder pains that appear regularly, you should definitely visit a specialist.

    Long biceps head tendonitis

    Tendinitis is an inflammatory disease in which the main or long head of the biceps muscle is affected. The disease begins with inflammation of the tendon sheath and tendon bursa, and gradually passes to the muscle.

    Interestingly, biceps tendonitis is a disease that affects more than just humans. The pathology is often observed in horses and cattle, biceps tendonitis in dogs is also common.

    Tendinitis of the biceps head is associated with increased physical exertion on the shoulder, abrupt monotonous movements, in which tendon microtrauma occurs. Most often, the pathology occurs in professional athletes, for example, tennis players, swimmers, since during training they perform active shoulder movements.

    If the athlete follows the training rules and allows the shoulder to rest, then the tendon will have time to recover normally, and inflammation will not occur. Otherwise, degenerative disorders and an inflammatory process will occur in the tendon, this condition can lead to its rupture if a person neglects treatment and continues to load the shoulder.

    Tendinitis of the biceps of the shoulder can occur not only with great physical exertion, but also with a shoulder injury. In this case, a rupture of the transverse ligament occurs, which fixes the tendon. As a result, it is displaced and injured, which leads to the formation of an inflammatory process.

    Biceps tendonitis treatment

    To prescribe an effective treatment for tendonitis, you must first correctly diagnose, for this you must definitely consult a doctor. The specialist will make an anamnesis, conduct an external examination and send for an ultrasound scan. Based on the results of the examination, the correct diagnosis will be established and the doctor will prescribe an effective therapy.

    Treatment of long biceps tendonitis begins with immobilization of the shoulder. The patient is forbidden to load the affected joint so as not to injure the tendon even more. Depending on the stage of the pathology, wearing a fixation bandage, orthosis, or even a plaster cast may be indicated.

    To relieve pain and inflammation, the patient is prescribed to take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and to use external agents. A course of physiotherapy, for example, magnetotherapy, electrophoresis with lidase, and other procedures prescribed by a doctor, depending on the stage of the disease, will also help speed up recovery.

    After removing the inflammation, physiotherapy exercises and massage are prescribed for tendinitis of the biceps and triceps, these procedures help restore blood circulation in the affected area, and normalize the motor activity of the joint. Massage and exercise therapy are especially effective if the patient has chronic biceps tendonitis.

    Treatment of biceps tendonitis is not always conservative; in severe cases, surgery may also be indicated. With purulent tendinitis, the doctor surgically cleans the tendon from pus. Also, the operation is performed when a tendon is ruptured, in which case the surgeon will restore it.

    Treatment of biceps tendonitis with folk remedies

    Biceps tendonitis should be treated under the supervision of a specialist, otherwise it can become chronic. In complex therapy, it is allowed to use traditional medicine recipes, but it is recommended to consult a doctor before using the product.

    For tendinitis, the following folk recipes are used:

    • Compresses from herbal decoctions are used to relieve inflammation and pain. With tendinitis, comfrey, chamomile, arnica, sage help well. In the acute stage of the disease, it is recommended to apply a cold compress to stop the inflammatory process.
    • During the period of treatment, it is recommended to eat turmeric, it has an anti-inflammatory effect in tendonitis.
    • Salt compresses also help well. To prepare such a product, it is best to use sea salt, it is dissolved in hot water and moistened with a solution of cheesecloth folded 3 times. Place the wet bandage in a plastic bag and refrigerate for 20 minutes. Remove the cold gauze from the bag, attach to the shoulder and secure with a bandage on top, keep until completely dry.

    Prevention of biceps tendonitis

    To exclude inflammation of the biceps tendon, it is necessary to exercise properly without overloading the shoulder. Before starting classes, it is imperative to warm up, and after active training It is very important to give the muscle and tendon time to heal. Therefore, athletes are not recommended to actively train the same muscle group every day; different parts of the body should be involved during training.

    To avoid tendonitis after an injury, it is imperative to see a doctor and receive timely treatment. The correct therapy for a shoulder injury can help prevent inflammation of the tendon and joint.

    Also, for preventive purposes, patients are advised to eat properly and in a balanced manner, exercise every day to strengthen muscles. Healthy way life will help reduce the risk of tendonitis and other pathologies of the musculoskeletal system.

    Orthopedists and traumatologists are often faced with a specific lesion, which is defined as tendon tenosynovitis. Pathology is characterized by a long latent course, which reduces the likelihood of a timely visit to a doctor. The disease becomes the cause of excessive rigidity of the tendons, edema, painful sensations. Treatment is complicated if the presence of microcrystals of salts in the tendons is confirmed, and they themselves have undergone fiber dissociation.

    Causes of occurrence

    The active development of the disease is facilitated by the infection of adjacent tissues or the penetration of pathogenic microflora into the tendon structure. In 80% of cases, this is due to a puncture or other violation of the integrity of the tendons. The main ways of defeat:

    1. Existing infections, especially STIs (in 90% of cases of identified infectious tenosynovitis, the patient suffered from gonorrhea).
    2. Physical trauma, after which the introduced acute infection is divided into monomicrobial and polymicrobial. Each of them progresses depending on the nature and extent of the damage.
    3. Physiological aging process (a common cause of knee tenosynovitis).
    4. Staphylococcus aureus migrating from the epidermis, with which the patient was previously infected.
    5. Animal bite and subsequent suppuration of the bite wound.
    6. Intravenous use of hard drugs (there is a high probability that tenosynovitis of the tendon of the long head of the biceps will occur).
    7. Open lesions of the skin, on the surface of which there was exposure to fresh or salt water with the presence of mycobacteria.

    Any of these methods can lead to tenosynovitis. Including situations where the patient has not completed a full course of treatment for rheumatoid or reactive arthritis.

    Symptoms

    It is enough for the doctor to have an examination for a preliminary diagnosis. And the doctor confirms it by diagnostic methods, determining the nuances of pathology.

    Tenosynovitis of the tendon of the long head of the biceps brachii is a stenosing disease that manifests itself in a specific painful sensation of a pulling character. In 9 out of 10 cases, the patient complains that an unpleasant sensation covers the shoulder, spreads along the front surface of the arm (along the biceps muscle). Palpation of the affected area gives a painful sensation: its localization is the groove between the tubercles of the humerus and in the direction below, where the tendon is even better palpable. Against the background of pain in the patient, it is difficult to abduct the arm.

    Popliteal tendon tenosynovitis is manifested by the following distinctive features:

    • an increase in pain after minor physical exertion;
    • extensive swelling around knee joint;
    • clear hyperemia of the skin is visible.

    Symptoms can be supplemented depending on the age of the lesion.

    Diagnostics

    Diagnosis of tendon tenosynovitis is difficult only due to the premature appointment of antibiotic therapy, which 60% of doctors carry out even before the final diagnosis is established. Laboratory research regarding the pathology under consideration is secondary.

    Methods for detecting tendon pathology are as follows:

    1. Laboratory research. In the blood, an increase in the content of leukocytes, an increase in ESR are established, as indicators of an active inflammatory process.
    2. X-ray examination. The main goal of the method is to confirm the presence of tenosynovitis and exclude the concomitant development of osteomyelitis, bursitis, arthritis.
    3. Research using ultrasound. The method is informative, has advantages over MRI: low price, technical simplicity. Ultrasound does not involve the use of magnetic field energy. The procedure is safer for health, does not affect devices implanted inside the body (heart rate drivers). Ultrasound helps to study in detail the structures of tendons and ligaments, allowing to differentiate tenosynovitis, including through the use of color Doppler mapping (CDM).
    4. MRI. The method provides an image of the entire joint, including the capsule with the humeral ligaments, the articular cartilage at the head of the humerus. The muscles and tendons surrounding the joint and the bursae are also visualized.

    MRI and ultrasound of the shoulder or knee joint are not interchangeable diagnostic methods. The implementation of each of them involves specific goals and objectives.

    Treatment

    Delay in admission to the hospital does not bode well for a positive prognosis - the disease progresses to an even more aggravated stage. Then the patient loses the possibility of even self-service, and there is no need to talk about the implementation of labor activity. One of the options for wasting time is the desire to normalize health using unofficial methods. ethnoscience does not contain a single recipe that can restore the tendon-ligamentous apparatus. And patients who take decoctions and apply compresses to the body waste time, increasing the risk of developing disabilities.

    Conservative

    If, according to the results of diagnostics, it is confirmed that the existing disorder is tenosynovitis of the tendon of the long head of the biceps, treatment with conservative methods involves the following prescriptions:

    Type of treatment, prescribed group of drugs Purpose and features Possible side effects
    Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

    Diclofenac, Nimesulide (Nise), Ibuprofen

    Reduces the spectrum of the inflammatory process, minimizes pain. The listed medications are administered once a day, for 10 days Gastropathy
    Pain relievers.

    Ketanov, Ketarol, Dexalgin, Analgin

    Analgesics are administered with insufficient effectiveness of NSAIDs, when pain in the limb persists. The drugs eliminate pain attacks for 4-5 hours, which allows you to normalize your well-being, helps to transfer postoperative recovery Gastropathy, sleep disturbance, arrhythmia
    Diuretics

    Furosemide, Lasix

    A therapy aimed at reducing edema. The dosage depends on the patient's weight, the severity of the edema Lower back pain at the level of the kidneys
    Antibiotic therapy

    Ceftriaxone, Ceftazidime

    Broad-spectrum antibiotics are prescribed when there is a proven relationship between tenosynovitis and an existing infection. The goal is the elimination of pathogenic microflora Bowel disorder

    For the implementation of hormonal treatment, drugs of the glucocorticoid group are used - Dexamethasone and Prednisolone.

    Injection introduction hormonal drugs, especially in chronic processes, does not give a complete cure, increases the rate of collagen degradation, negatively affects the production of new collagen (reduces its synthesis by 3 times).

    The doctor expands general purposes active use of immunomodulatory agents, vitamin therapy.

    More details

    During conservative therapy, it is important not to load the affected joint - for this, an orthosis is immobilized. Local application of ointments is recommended: Nise, Dolobene, Ketonal.

    Physiotherapy

    Physiotherapy methods help to normalize blood circulation, stop or minimize pain, improve metabolic processes the affected area. The procedures that are advisable to prescribe if tenosynovitis of the tendon of the biceps brachii, popliteal fossa or another section is confirmed include magnetotherapy; laser therapy; applying thermal applications. The use of electrophoresis with novocaine will improve limb abduction and reduce pain.

    Recently, radon baths have been actively used.

    After the documentary recognition of the safety of radon in the treatment of articular pathologies, interest in this gas is growing. The demand for the element is explained by its unique therapeutic capabilities.

    Radon is an inert gas that is colorless and odorless. It is 7.5 times heavier than air, has 3 isotopes, the most important of which is 222 Yal with a half-life of 3.82 days.

    Before performing radon baths, the doctor makes sure that the patient has no contraindications to medical technology:

    Among them:

    1. Fever of unknown origin.
    2. Oncological processes (confirmed) - the presence of malignant neoplasms, benign tumors that tend to grow.
    3. All blood diseases.
    4. Heart rhythm disorders (atrial fibrillation, extrasystole).
    5. Psychoemotional disorders (epilepsy, neuroses, schizophrenia).
    6. Postponed large-focal or multiple small-focal cerebral infarction.
    7. Professional activity associated with a long stay in the field of radioactive or electromagnetic radiation.
    8. The period of pregnancy and breastfeeding.
    9. Functional impairment thyroid gland, high predisposition to its hyperfunction.
    10. Condition on the eve of surgery.
    11. Severe gynecological conditions - fibrocystic breast disease, uterine myoma, fibroids, adenomyosis, endometriosis.
    12. In men, prostate adenoma.
    13. Cholelithiasis.
    14. The presence of calculi in any of the segments of the urinary system.
    15. Confirmed retinal detachment.
    16. The presence of defects on the skin, areas of weeping dermatitis, pathology of fungal origin.
    17. Confirmed osteoporosis.

    To determine the concentration of radon for the procedure, the doctor is guided by the dominant pain manifestations. Dry air baths and traditional water baths are performed. The effect of the procedure is to improve the blood supply to the tissues adjacent to the joint; high probability of long-term pain relief (in 90% of cases).

    Anton Epifanov on physiotherapy:

    Surgery

    Surgical intervention is carried out in extreme cases when it is not possible to restore the limb by conservative methods. Burden surgery the patient's age is over 45 years, the presence of insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus and if the etiology of tenosynovitis consists in the progression of polymicrobial infection.

    Tendon plasty is a multi-stage, delicate operation. It assumes long-term recovery and is expensive.

    Joint Treatment Read More >>

    The introduction of antibiotics a day before the intervention, active intraoperative antibiotic therapy helps to eliminate the risk of complications in the postoperative period.

    Features of anesthesia during surgery for tendon tenosynovitis:

    • in the choice of anesthetic aid, the short duration of the intervention, the absence of the need for deep relaxation, the presence of adequate hemostatic measures are important;
    • modern medicines provide adequate pain relief without a threat to the patient's life;
    • a common complication after the intervention is short-term post-anesthetic depression. It provides the possibility of early transfer of the patient from the ICU (intensive care unit) with the activation of the patient;
    • the depth of immersion in anesthesia is provided by narcotic analgesics. In clinics with high financial support, the most successful combination for anesthesia for short-term operations is practiced - Diprivan + narcotic analgesics (in 68% of cases). But the high cost of Diprivan limits its use in clinical practice. Hospitals with less high funding use Ketamine for anesthesia. Its difference from Diprivan is specific: as patients recover from anesthesia, they need sedative therapy (carried out with standard dosages). It is important for a specialist to control the main vital indicators - they must be stable during the entire surgical intervention.
    • In 23.3% of cases, barbiturates are used for anesthesia, mainly sodium thiopental in standard dosages. If the depth of anesthesia was sufficient, the "controllability" of the anesthesia causes certain difficulties. Long-term post-anesthetic depression is possible, requiring constant monitoring of the patient.

    The prognosis for recovery is favorable (subject to early seeking medical help). However, the patient should be prepared: full recovery will take 3-4 months.

    Conclusion

    Tendon tenosynovitis can be cured only in a hospital setting, which means - by the methods of official medicine. It is not safe to rely on alternatives. The most common cause of the development of pathology is chronic damage. Orthopedists and traumatologists are involved in the elimination of the disease. If tenosynovitis is of infectious origin, a venereologist is involved in drawing up a treatment plan.

    Each person has experienced muscle and ligament sprains. However, few people know that such a harmless injury can develop into nodular tenosynovitis. Athletes are well aware of the danger of this disease. Indeed, often damage to ligaments and muscles is accompanied by stretching of the tendons that are nearby. If the injury is not properly cured, an inflammatory process with severe pain syndrome - tendon tenosynovitis can develop.

    Types and causes of the disease

    Doctors divide tenosynovitis into the following types:

    1. Stenosing. It is also called tenosynovitis of large joints. Usually, the tendons that are responsible for flexion and extension of the arm at the elbow, legs at the knee, and abduction to the side of the fingers are affected. With a joint injury, a person feels pain if he tries to move his limbs. In advanced cases, scars form on the joints and tendons. Interestingly, stenosing tenosynovitis is most common in women.
    2. Tuberculous. This type of disease is diagnosed in adult patients. If the body is affected by a tubercle bacillus, then the wrist tendons are injured in the first place. Often the pain is not felt, but the movement of the hand and fingers is limited, and the arm itself swells in the area below the shoulder.
    3. Chronic. Chronic inflammatory tenosynovitis often leads to rheumatoid arthritis. This disease can only be diagnosed by a specialist after conducting the necessary examinations.

    There are many reasons for the onset and development of tenosynovitis. First of all, doctors distinguish various injuries. Minor bruises are harmless as they heal quickly. But if the injury has led to injury, then there is a risk of infection. Infection when it enters the wound causes inflammation. Weakened immunity aggravates the situation. If the body is not able to independently fight pathogenic microorganisms, then the inflammation only intensifies.

    Overwork, heavy physical activity and old age can also become the reasons for the development of the disease. Usually, a person uses a certain muscle group in his everyday activities. Overloading those tendons that are in constant tension, and often leads to the development of tenosynovitis.

    At risk are elderly people, as their bones and muscles weaken and can no longer withstand the previous loads. If timely examination and treatment is not carried out, then any negative factor can provoke the development of the disease. In rare cases, tenosynovitis is a hereditary disorder.

    Musculoskeletal tissues are closely related to each other. The defeat of one area provokes pathology in other places. Therefore, diseases such as bursitis or rheumatoid arthritis often cause nodular tenosynovitis. In addition, pathogenic organisms are spread through the blood due to diseases such as herpes, syphilis, tuberculosis, etc.

    Symptoms of the disease

    The earlier tenosynovitis is diagnosed, the easier it is to cure. However, this disease often does not cause any discomfort in a person. Only over time, he begins to feel a slight pain when moving his limbs. Then redness of the affected area appears, and when you press on the sore spot, you can feel the tumor. However, the specific symptomatology depends on the location of the inflammation. The following localization is distinguished:


    Sometimes, with the same disease, the pain sensations are of a different nature. Some people complain of constant aching pain, while others experience discomfort only when moving their limbs.

    However, in any case, when the first symptoms appear, it is necessary to consult a doctor, since neglected tenosynovitis can lead to disability.

    Diagnostics and treatment

    For a long time, doctors could not give a description of the disease. This happened only in the middle of the last century. Nowadays, a lot is known about the disease, including the fact that tenosynovitis usually affects middle-aged people, and women suffer from it more often than men.

    There are several ways to diagnose the disease. If, on palpation of the affected area, a tumor is clearly felt, then this is a reason to immediately go to the hospital. The doctor also examines the patient and prescribes the type of examination. Usually the patient is still undergoing a general blood test.

    Most often, ultrasound is used to diagnose an ailment. With its help, it is possible to consider the size of the tumors, their number and location. X-rays are prescribed when tenosynovitis has caused bone deformation. MRI makes it possible to most thoroughly examine the type of tumor. A biopsy is done when it is necessary to distinguish a tumor caused by tenosynovitis from other neoplasms.

    Treatment of nodular tenosynovitis is carried out with medication. However, the lists of drugs will be long, since there is no universal drug that cures the disease yet. The doctor prescribes groups of drugs that help relieve inflammation, pain, swelling, swelling and redness. These are pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs, analgesics, antibiotics, drugs that strengthen the immune system and improve metabolism. The course is selected individually, the duration of admission depends on the complexity of the disease.

    Only a doctor can determine the course of nodular tenosynovitis. He conducts special research, selects a therapy method, and prescribes medications. Therefore, it is better to refuse treatment with folk remedies without consulting an experienced specialist, otherwise there is a risk of aggravating the situation.

    Traditional recipes will not help to cope with trauma, but they can be used as a preventive measure.

    For a speedy recovery, the course of medication is best combined with physiotherapy. Massage, magnetotherapy, electrophoresis and other physiotherapeutic methods will help restore the lost functions of joints and tendons. Only in advanced cases is surgical intervention required. During the operation, the affected tendon node is removed. But even surgery does not protect against recurrence.

    Tenosynovitis may recur after a course of treatment. Therefore, it is important to follow all the doctor's recommendations during the rehabilitation period.

    Treatment of periarthritis of the shoulder scapula - long, but simple

    The most common "rheumatic" disease of the shoulder, according to modern research, is the periarthritis of the shoulder scapula. It occurs in about 80% of cases associated with shoulder diseases. The reason lies in the fact that the tendons in the shoulder joint are in constant functional tension, which leads to the development of a degenerative process in it.

    • Causes of the humeroscapular periarthritis
    • Symptoms and stages of the disease
    • Treatment with traditional methods
    • Exercise for illness

    Treatment of periarthritis of the shoulder scapula is quite simple, but the main condition effective treatment- started therapy on time.

    Causes of the humeral scapular periarthritis

    The onset of the disease can be provoked by some factors: age after 40 years (women especially suffer from this disease), hypothermia, prolonged exposure to dampness, as well as the presence of diseases - spondylosis, arthrosis, sciatica, neuropsychic disorders, congenital defects in the development of the upper shoulder girdle.

    The main etymological factor is macro and microtrauma that may appear as a result of occupational or sports activities... However, often the occurrence of humeroscapular periarthritis does not have any apparent cause.

    Symptoms and stages of the disease

    In the development of periarthritis, there are several stages and clinical forms of the disease.

    Simple or "simple painful shoulder" is the most common initial form of the disease. With it, an isolated inflammation of the tendons of the infraspinatus and supraspinatus muscles occurs, or much less often - tendinitis of the long head of the biceps muscle. The symptom of this stage of the disease is the occurrence of painful sensations or their intensification with certain movements of the hand.

    In this case, the patient usually cannot raise his hand up or can not touch his spine from behind. The pain is localized in the anterosuperior portion of the shoulder, where the tendons of the short rotators attach to the greater tubercle. However, many other movements may not be painful in the shoulder. X-ray results usually do not reveal pathological abnormalities.

    As a result of the treatment of periarthritis in the initial stage, there may be a recovery within a short period (from several days to a week) or a relapse of the disease with the transition to a chronic stage, but without certain restrictions on movements in the shoulder. Also, with the most unfavorable outcome, the disease can progress to the stage of acute humeral-scapular periarthritis.

    Acute or acute painful shoulder - this stage of the disease can occur on its own or be a complication from the first initial stage... It causes inflammation of the tendons and bursa in which they are located, which leads to calcification (degeneration) of the affected tissues. Pain usually comes on suddenly, especially after physical activity on the joint.

    It has an increasing intensity, gives off in back surface arms and neck. Painful sensations intensify at night. Hand movements are sharply limited, but forward movement of the hand is almost free. It is more convenient for the patient to hold the sore arm in a physiological position, i.e. in a bent state and brought to the body.

    The localization of pain is different. Pain can be on the antero-outer side of the shoulder (the tendons that attach to the short rotators are inflamed), and on the outer area (inflammation in the subdeltoid bursa), and on the anterior surface (the tendon of the long head of the biceps brachii is inflamed).

    At this stage, the disease may be accompanied by increased body temperature and increased ESR. X-ray results reveal tissue degeneration in the subacromial region of the shoulder, supraspinatus tendons, or subscapularis.

    A sharp, painful shoulder can take days or weeks to heal. Chronic ankylosing or blocked shoulder - most often the result of an acute form of the disease. This stage of the disease is characterized by dull pains, which intensify during the movement of the shoulder. The main symptom is progressive shoulder stiffness. The patient cannot perform lateral shoulder abduction, because when the scapula is fixed, the scapular-sternal joint does not function.

    The blocked shoulder condition does not lead to an increase in body temperature and changes in laboratory tests. X-rays can reveal salt deposits (calcifications) in the affected tendons.

    Palpation determines pain in front and under the acromion, along the groove of the biceps muscle of the head of the shoulder joint, as well as at the point of attachment deltoid muscle to the joint.

    Treatment with traditional methods

    The answer to the question: "How to treat periarthritis of the shoulder scapula?" you can start by saying that the most important thing in the treatment of this disease is persistence and duration. Because during all periarthritis, there is a delayed resorption of calcifications and foci of degeneration, while the process of microtraumatization of the tendons continues.

    The main methods of treating periarthritis include:

    • unloading of the affected tendons;
    • the use of anti-inflammatory and analgesic medications;
    • physical and balneological methods;
    • less often - surgical intervention.

    Resting the affected limb is created by immobilizing the diseased tendon. For example, in a mild case, this is done with a support bandage, a simple wooden or wire splint, which limits the mobility of the diseased limb. In the first stage of the disease, recovery may occur after several days of immobilization. In more severe case use a removable plaster splint.

    Only after the pain is relieved, they gradually begin to perform careful movements: first, more active, then passive. At the same time, the use of analgesics is used - acetylsalicylic acid, analgin, brufen, indocide, butadiene, rheopirin, etc. in usual doses.

    Painful sensations of increased intensity are relieved by infiltration of the affected tendon with a combination of novocaine and hydrocortisone. It is injected into the subdeltoid or podacromil area with a dose of 50-100 mg.

    The injection is repeated after five to ten days until the pain decreases. Acute pain can also be relieved by injecting corticosteroids by mouth. For example, triamcinolone or prednisolone, 3 tablets per day, gradually reducing the dose to ¼ table. in 5 days.

    However, it should be remembered that glucocorticosteroids, rapidly reducing painful sensations and exudative phenomena in the affected tissues, are not able to prevent the development of joint stiffness and therefore their use is advisable only as part of the complex treatment of periarthritis of the shoulder scapula.

    Comprehensive treatment of the disease also implies the use of physical methods... Ultrasound, sinusoidal currents and phonophoresis of hydrocortisone help to improve blood circulation and relieve pain well. Also, in the case of persistent pain syndrome, doctors recommend the use of X-ray therapy, and in case of chronic prolonged development of the disease, general hydrogen sulfide or radon baths.

    With humeroscapular periarthritis, a massage procedure is contraindicated. However, the best way to prevent blockage of the shoulder during chronic shoulder-scapular periarthritis is to practice medical gymnastics that must be performed systematically over several months.

    Only if traditional methods of conservative treatment are ineffective, surgical intervention is used.

    Treatment of the disease with folk remedies

    Competent treatment of folk remedies for shoulder-scapular periarthritis can have a positive effect. For example, the widely used method of hirudotherapy (treatment with leeches) is able to improve microcirculation in tissues and promote a quick recovery of the patient.

    Also, in the treatment of shoulder scapular periarthritis, various decoctions and herbal infusions are used, which have an anti-inflammatory effect. They are used either internally or as a compress to the affected area.

    1. 1 tbsp. a spoonful of chopped St. John's wort is poured with a glass of boiling water. The broth is infused for half an hour. Take it for 1 tbsp. spoon 4 p. in a day.
    2. The dried nettle is poured with boiling water and kept in a water bath for 15 minutes. Take 1 tbsp. spoon 3-4 p. in a day.
    3. 5 gr. chopped black currant berries are poured with a glass of boiling water and insisted for twenty minutes. Take half a glass of 3 r. in a day.
    4. Horseradish is crushed on a grater, heated, wrapped in gauze and applied in a warm form in the form of a compress to the affected area.
    5. 50 gr. calendula flowers are bred with half a liter of vodka and insisted for 15 days. Then it is used as a rubbing in the shoulder area of ​​the affected joint.
    6. Take in equal amounts mint leaves, birch buds, dandelion root and coriander and pour boiling water over it. After infusion, use for rubbing in 3 r. in a day.

    The folk methods listed above help relieve pain and inflammation.

    Exercise for illness

    Active exercise will help you achieve quick, complete recovery of joint function. There are a lot of them, so the choice depends on the doctor's recommendations and the patient's own capabilities.

    1. I.P. (starting position) - Hands on the waist. We make circular movements with the shoulder.
    2. I.P. - Hands on the waist. We make movements with the shoulder back and forth.
    3. I.P. - A sore hand on a healthy shoulder. With your healthy hand, gently, with a smooth movement, pull the other elbow up.
    4. I.P. - hands in the lock behind the back. With a careful movement, we pull the sore hand to the buttocks.

    Exercise regularly helps to prevent the transition of the disease to a chronic stage. The prognosis for scapular periarthritis is favorable. In the course of treatment, foci of degeneration and calcifications gradually dissolve, pain disappears and the mobility of the limbs is restored. The basic rule of effective treatment is: in order to prevent serious complications, treatment should be started at the moment the first symptoms appear.

    Useful articles:

    Biceps tendonitis, or biceps tendonitis, is an inflammation of the tendon of the biceps brachii that runs in a groove on the front of the shoulder. The most common cause is chronic overuse of the tendon. Biceps tendonitis can develop gradually, or it can occur suddenly from direct injury. Tendinitis can develop if shoulder joint suffers from other conditions such as lip injury, shoulder instability, impingement syndrome, or rotator cuff rupture.
    Anatomy

    The biceps brachii is located on the front of the shoulder. At the top, the muscle is attached to the scapula through two separate tendons. These tendons are called proximal. The word “proximal” means “near”.
    One tendon, the long head tendon of the biceps, begins at the superior edge of the glenoid cavity and is associated with the articular cartilage and the glenoid lip. The tendon then runs along the anterior surface of the shoulder head in its groove. The transverse ligament of the shoulder, spreading over the groove, forms a channel for the tendon and keeps it from dislocation. The long biceps tendon is an important structure that helps keep the head of the shoulder in the center of the glenoid cavity of the scapula.
    The second tendon, the tendon of the short head of the biceps, is located outward and begins on the coracoid process of the scapula.
    The lower biceps tendon is called the distal tendon. The word “distal” means “distal”. Distal tendon the bicep is attached to the tubercle on the radius of the forearm. The biceps itself is formed by two abdomens that run from the proximal tendons and merge with each other almost at the transition to the distal tendon.
    Tendons are made up of strands of material called collagen. Collagen filaments form bundles, bundles - fibers. Collagen is a strong material and tendons have very high tensile strength. When muscles contract, traction is transmitted to the tendons and the point of origin of the muscle approaches the point of attachment, as a result of which the bones move relative to each other.
    When contracting, the biceps muscle flexes the elbow joint. In the elbow joint, the radius of the forearm can make rotational movements (rotation), therefore, when the biceps contracts, it performs external rotation (supination), turning the hand palm upward with the elbow joint bent, such as holding a tray. In the shoulder joint, the biceps is involved in raising the arm anteriorly (flexion).
    Causes
    Continuous or repetitive shoulder action can put excessive stress on the biceps tendon, causing damage to microstructures at the cellular level. If the load continues, then the damaged structures inside the tendon do not have time to recover, which leads to tendinitis, an inflammation of the tendon. This is common in sports such as swimmers, tennis players, and workers who need to hold their arms over their heads.
    If the exposure occurs for many years in a row, then the structure of the tendon changes, signs of degeneration appear, and the tendon may become loose. The tendon is weakened and prone to inflammation, and at some point under stress may even rupture.
    Biceps tendonitis can occur from an injury such as falling onto the shoulder. A rupture of the transverse shoulder ligament can also lead to biceps tendinitis. It was mentioned above that the transverse ligaments of the shoulder hold the biceps tendon in the groove on the front of the shoulder. If this ligament is torn, the biceps tendon can freely pop out of the groove, producing characteristic clicks. In addition, permanent dislocations also cause biceps tendonitis.
    As mentioned above, tendonitis can occur due to other abnormalities in the shoulder joint, such as an injury to the labrum, shoulder instability, impingement syndrome, or rotator cuff rupture. In these conditions, the head of the shoulder is unnecessarily mobile, therefore there is a constant mechanical effect on the biceps tendon, which, in turn, leads to inflammation.
    Symptoms
    Patients usually experience pain in the depth of the shoulder along the anterior surface. The pain can spread downward. The pain is usually worse if the arms are raised above shoulder level. After resting, the pain usually goes away.
    The arm may become weak when trying to bend the arm at the elbow or turn the palm upward. A sharp feeling of stiffness in the upper biceps may indicate damage to the transverse biceps ligament.
    Diagnosis
    The diagnosis is made on the basis of a conversation with a patient, examination and special research methods. Usually, questions are asked about work activity, sports hobbies, previous shoulder injuries, and the manifestation of pain.
    Examination is most helpful in diagnosing biceps brachii tendinitis. The doctor will identify painful points, check movements in the joints, determine muscle work, and perform special tests, including for other pathologies, such as damage to the articular lip, shoulder instability, impingement syndrome or rotator cuff rupture.
    An X-ray (X-ray) is only necessary to identify or exclude other diseases of the shoulder joint, for example, calcific tendonitis, arthrosis of the acromioclavicular joint, impingement syndrome, instability.
    When treatment of biceps tendonitis is unsuccessful, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be ordered. MRI is a special imaging technique that uses magnetic waves to create a computer-generated image of the shoulder joint in slices in standard planes. This test can help identify a ruptured rotator cuff or damage to the lip.
    Treatment
    Conservative treatment
    Treatment begins with conservative methods. It is usually advised to limit the load and avoid the activities that led to the problem. Resting the shoulder joint usually relieves pain and helps reduce inflammation. Anti-inflammatory medications can be prescribed to relieve pain and help patients return to normal activities. These drugs include drugs such as voltaren, diclofenac, ibuprofen.
    On rare occasions, cortisone injections may be used to try to control pain. Cortisone is a very powerful steroid. However, use of cortisone is very limited because it can negatively affect tendons and cartilage.
    Operative treatment
    Patients who are helped by conventional remedies do not require surgery. Surgery may be recommended if the problem persists or when another pathology affects the shoulder joint.
    For example, it is necessary to perform arthroscopic acromyoplasty for impingement syndrome or arthrosis of the acromioclavicular joint, performing an operation on the elements of the rotator cuff or articular lip.
    Biceps tenodesis.
    Biceps tenodesis is a method of reattaching the top of the long head tendon to a new location, usually the anterior shoulder. Research shows that the long-term results for patients with biceps tendinitis after this surgery are not satisfactory. However, tenodesis may be necessary if the biceps tendons are already degeneratively altered, which is common.
    Rehabilitation
    Rehabilitation after conservative treatment
    Be prepared to avoid stress on your arm for three to four weeks. As soon as the pain disappears, you need to gradually increase the load on the affected limb.
    After consultation with the doctor, exercise therapy is prescribed individual program rehabilitation. The program usually takes four to six weeks. Initially, all exercises are performed in the presence of an instructor. First, exercises are performed to maintain muscle tone and maintain range of motion in the shoulder and elbow joints with the condition that the inflammation does not increase. As soon as there is an improvement, they connect special exercises to strengthen the biceps, as well as the muscles of the rotator cuff of the shoulder and the muscles of the scapula. At correct execution rehabilitation programs athletes can resume their training.
    Rehabilitation after surgery
    Some surgeons prefer their patients to begin exercises as early as possible to increase the range of motion in the shoulder and elbow joints. Initially, there will be a need to relieve pain and swelling. For this, cold or heat can be used topically, depending on the situation. If there are no contraindications, massage and various physiotherapy procedures can be used to reduce muscle spasms and pain. Care must be taken to gradually build up the difficulty and amount of exercise.
    Heavy biceps exercise should be avoided for two to four weeks after surgery. From active exercises, exercises with isometric muscle contraction are performed first.
    After two to four weeks, exercises with active muscle tension are performed. In the beginning, all exercises are performed under the supervision of an exercise therapy instructor. Gradually, the exercises are performed independently. As a rule, exercises are similar to those performed at home. The exercise therapy doctor will help you undergo a rehabilitation course as much as possible short time and as painless as possible.
    You need to be prepared for the fact that the treatment will take from six to eight weeks. Full recovery can take three to four months. Before completing the course, ask yourself how you can avoid future shoulder problems.