Stopping a clicking bicep tendon usually involves a combination of rest, conservative treatments, and, in some cases, medical intervention. Here's a breakdown of approaches:
1. Rest and Activity Modification:
- Avoid Aggravating Activities: Identify and temporarily stop any activities that seem to trigger or worsen the clicking. This might include weightlifting, certain types of arm movements, or repetitive motions.
- Rest the Arm: Give your bicep tendon time to heal by avoiding strenuous use.
2. Conservative Treatments:
- Ice: Apply ice packs to the affected area for 15-20 minutes several times a day, especially after activity. This helps reduce inflammation and pain.
- Pain Relief:
- Over-the-counter pain relievers: Medications like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve) can help reduce pain and inflammation. Follow dosage instructions carefully.
- Topical Pain Relievers: Creams or gels containing menthol or capsaicin may offer temporary pain relief.
- Physical Therapy:
- Strengthening Exercises: A physical therapist can guide you through exercises designed to strengthen the biceps muscle and surrounding structures.
- Range of Motion Exercises: Physical therapy can also help improve the flexibility and range of motion of your shoulder and elbow.
- Posture Correction: In some cases, poor posture can contribute to bicep tendon issues. A physical therapist can help you correct your posture.
3. Medical Interventions (When Conservative Treatments Fail):
- Corticosteroid Injections: Your doctor might recommend a corticosteroid injection into the tendon sheath to reduce inflammation and pain. While effective in the short term, these injections aren't a long-term solution, and repeated injections can weaken the tendon.
- Surgery: Surgery is rarely needed for a clicking bicep tendon, but it may be considered if conservative treatments are ineffective and the clicking is due to a specific structural problem, such as a tendon tear or instability. Surgical options might include:
- Biceps Tenodesis: Reattaching the biceps tendon to a different location on the humerus (upper arm bone).
- Biceps Tenotomy: Cutting the biceps tendon where it attaches to the shoulder.
4. Considerations:
- Warm-Up Properly: Before any exercise or activity, make sure to warm up your muscles and joints properly to prevent injury.
- Gradual Return to Activity: When you start returning to activities, do so gradually to avoid re-aggravating the tendon.
- Underlying Causes: Sometimes, a clicking bicep tendon can be related to other shoulder problems, such as rotator cuff tears or shoulder instability. Your doctor may need to evaluate you for these conditions.
- See a Doctor: If the clicking is painful, persistent, or accompanied by other symptoms (such as weakness or limited range of motion), see a doctor or physical therapist for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
Example Treatment Plan:
| Step | Action | Frequency/Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Rest | Avoid activities that cause clicking | Until pain subsides |
| Ice | Apply ice pack | 15-20 minutes, 3-4 times per day |
| Pain Relief | Take ibuprofen or apply topical pain reliever | As needed, following instructions |
| Physical Therapy | Perform prescribed exercises (strengthening, range of motion) | As directed by physical therapist |
| Follow Up | Consult with doctor if symptoms persist or worsen | As recommended by doctor/physical therapist |
A clicking bicep tendon doesn't always require treatment, especially if it's painless. However, if it's causing pain or interfering with your daily activities, seeking professional medical advice is recommended to properly address the issue and prevent it from worsening.
