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Bicep Pain Symptoms, Causes & Common Questions

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Last updated June 18, 2022

Bicep pain quiz

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Understand your bicep pain symptoms with Buoy, including 4 causes and common questions concerning your bicep pain.

Bicep pain quiz

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Symptoms of bicep pain

Pain located between your shoulder and elbow can be labeled as bicep pain. The discomfort can sometimes radiate into your back and make it difficult to bend your elbow or flex those sweet muscles you've been working on. While typically not a major cause for concern, bicep pain can be bothersome and limit your ability to exercise, work, or get things done around the house.

Common characteristics and other symptoms of bicep pain

Bicep pain can be described by:

  • Sharp pain in the arm
  • Snapping sounds upon movement
  • Muscle cramps
  • Bruising
  • Elbow tenderness
  • Shoulder and elbow weakness

Bicep structure and function

The bicep is a muscle located on the front portion of the upper arm. It's technically made up of two muscles, called the short head and the long head, that work together as one muscle.

Like most muscles, the bicep is attached to your bones with tendons. The bicep is one of the busiest muscles in the body, helping you complete a wide range of tasks throughout the day. If any of the included muscles or tendons are damaged, bicep pain will likely result.

Causes of bicep pain

Bicep pain is usually caused by an injury from exercising or playing sports. However, there are other causes to consider. The following sections may give you a better idea of what is behind your symptoms. See a physician for bicep pain that worsens or persists.

Traumatic causes of bicep pain

The bicep muscles can tear from a shoulder or elbow injury. Sports-related injuries are common, especially if you have to repeat a specific movement over and over, like throwing a football. Exerting the bicep too much while strength training can also lead to pain.

You don't need to be an overworked athlete to damage your bicep. Lifting a heavy box of books can traumatize the area or an awkward fall can tear a tendon, for example.

Medical causes of bicep pain

Joint pain can occasionally translate to bicep pain. Pain in the bicep can be a concerning sign for people with heart conditions. People with anxiety disorders can also experience bicep pain if the muscles are clenched.

Other causes

Steroid use falls under other causes of bicep pain. If needles are infected or shared, the bicep muscle itself can become infected. This is rare but possible.

This list does not constitute medical advice and may not accurately represent what you have.

Upper arm bone infection (osteomyelitis)

Osteomyelitis of the upper arm is a bacterial or fungal infection of the bone, typically caused by Staph Aureus (40-50% of the time). It is difficult to diagnose as the infection can come from a break in the skin at the area or anywhere else in the body that spreads by blood.

You should seek immediate medical care at an ER, where diagnosis of osteomyelitis can be established through x-rays and culturing fluids. Treatment involves antibiotics and removing the infected tissue (by surgery).

Rarity: Rare

Top Symptoms: moderate fever, constant upper arm pain, spontaneous upper arm pain, warm red upper arm swelling, painful surgical site

Symptoms that always occur with upper arm bone infection (osteomyelitis): constant upper arm pain, spontaneous upper arm pain

Urgency: Hospital emergency room

Repetitive strain injury of the upper arm

Repetitive strain injury of the upper arm is caused by consistent repetitive use.

You do not need treatment, just rest from your overuse. Wearing a brace and physical therapy might be helpful.

Rarity: Uncommon

Top Symptoms: upper arm pain from overuse, upper arm weakness, upper arm numbness

Symptoms that always occur with repetitive strain injury of the upper arm: upper arm pain from overuse

Symptoms that never occur with repetitive strain injury of the upper arm: upper arm injury, severe upper arm pain

Urgency: Self-treatment

Brachial plexopathy (shoulder nerve issue)

A shoulder nerve injury, also called brachial plexopathy, is when damage occurs to a network of nerves in the front of the shoulder known as the brachial plexus. This damage can occur from injury, inflammation, radiation therapy, or other medical conditions. Symptoms include sharp pain in the shoulder, arm, or hand. Numbness or weakness in the shoulder or arm may also occur.

You should consider visiting a medical professional to discuss your symptoms. A doctor can evaluate shoulder nerve issues with a review of your symptoms and medical history. You might also be asked to do an EMG, a test that checks the connection between muscles and nerves. Once diagnosed, some options for treatment include pain or nerve block medication, physical therapy, and braces or splints. Some cases may require surgery. Depending on the severity, recovery times can range from weeks to years.

Rarity: Uncommon

Top Symptoms: pain in one arm, shoulder pain that shoots to the arm, arm weakness, numbness in one arm, shoulder pain

Symptoms that never occur with brachial plexopathy (shoulder nerve issue): pain in the front middle part of the neck

Urgency: Primary care doctor

Bicep bruise

A bruise is the damage of the blood vessels that return blood to the heart (the capillaries and veins), which causes pooling of the blood. This explains the blue/purple color of most bruises. Bruises of the bicep are common due to minor injuries.

You can treat this at home with rest (exercise as tolerated) and ice (10-20 minutes at a time).

Rarity: Rare

Top Symptoms: constant upper arm pain, recent bicep injury, pain in one bicep, swelling of one arm, upper arm bruise

Symptoms that always occur with bicep bruise: recent bicep injury, constant upper arm pain

Urgency: Self-treatment

Bicep pain treatments and relief

Bicep pain can slow you down, but the discomfort can be managed with the following treatments. Make sure to review the prevention section if bicep pain is common for you.

At-home treatments

The following treatment options can likely provide some relief at home.

  • Ice packs: Use cold packs or ice to reduce any swelling. Only leave ice on the area for 20 minutes at a time.
  • Medications: NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin), can help minimize discomfort. Just take care to not overwork the muscle, even if it's feeling better, when taking pain medication.
  • Rest: One of the best ways to alleviate bicep pain is resting the affected arm as much as possible.

When to see a doctor

Bicep pain usually goes away with rest and time. However, some cases can be persistent and even dangerous. Here are some signs that it's time to schedule an appointment with your doctor regarding bicep pain.

  • Pain that doesn't improve over several weeks
  • Obvious deformity in the bicep area
  • Open or infected wounds
  • Experiencing other signs of heart distress: Such as dizziness or shortness of breath

When it is an emergency

In addition to what is detailed above, you should seek immediate treatment for:

  • Chest pain and shortness of breath: Especially if accompanied by arm or bicep pain, nausea and vomiting, and sweating
  • You cannot move your arm at all
  • Your pain becomes severe or debilitating
  • You have a fever or signs of infection

Prevention

Bicep pain may be largely preventable if you keep the following in mind.

  • Take things slowly when doing physical activities: If completing strength training, only move up in weight when you are truly ready.
  • Practice proper posture when performing exercises or playing sports: Proper form will not only help you perform better but can also reduce your chances of injury.
  • Try avoiding or at least changing any physical activity that may trigger bicep pain

FAQs about bicep pain

What does it feel like to tear your bicep?

The bicep actually consists of two muscle groups. If you tear the long head of the biceps, you may experience shoulder pain. If you are lifting weights at the same time your arm may "give out" and drop whatever load it is carrying. If you tear the short head of the biceps, you may experience acute elbow pain followed by weakness. This will typically occur after a relatively forceful contraction. After a biceps tear, the muscle may look swollen, classically referred to as a "Popeye" deformity named after the cartoon character whose biceps bulged after eating spinach.

Why do I have sudden bicep pain for no reason?

Sudden biceps pain may be caused by injury to the tendon, underlying bone, or a tear of muscle fibers. Sudden, sharp pain is abnormal while weightlifting and should be evaluated. People who tear their bicep tendon will also report hearing a popping sound. Unprovoked bicep pain is uncommon and can be caused by cramps.

What are the symptoms of bicep tendonitis?

Classically, people with biceps tendonitis will experience pain in the front of the shoulder that's worse at night. The pain may increase with physical activities such as pulling, reaching overhead repetitively, and lifting. Usually, tendinopathy is chronic and symptoms develop slowly over time. If it becomes worse, it may cause a tendon rupture, in which the ability of the muscle to lift its attached structure is completely lost.

How long does it take to recover from a bicep strain?

Bicep strain is a common exercise-related injury that usually requires a few days for recovery. Chronic tendinopathy may take four to eight weeks to recover, depending on how much you rest. Biceps tendonitis and muscle rupture may also have a significant threat of prolonged limitation if untreated. Biceps muscle tears may require surgery, and emergency care is necessary for individuals requiring a high degree of functionality (professional weightlifters, construction workers, etc.)

How long does it take to for a torn bicep to heal?

After suffering a bicep tear, common treatments include ice, compression, and rest. Usually, a few weeks time is sufficient to return to function unless surgery is indicated. If you undergo surgery, recovery is often one to five weeks long.

Questions your doctor may ask about bicep pain

  • Did you recently experience an injury to the upper arm area?
  • Do you have any idea what may have caused your upper arm pain?
  • Does your pain continue into the night?
  • Have any of your muscles gotten much smaller (wasted away)?

Self-diagnose with our free Buoy Assistant if you answer yes on any of these questions.

Hear what 3 others are saying
Once your story receives approval from our editors, it will exist on Buoy as a helpful resource for others who may experience something similar.
The stories shared below are not written by Buoy employees. Buoy does not endorse any of the information in these stories. Whenever you have questions or concerns about a medical condition, you should always contact your doctor or a healthcare provider.
Bicep and tricep pain on both armsPosted January 19, 2021 by L.
One day I was training back and biceps and during biceps, I was doing overhead preacher curls on the machine and my biceps felt really tight compared to the usual feeling. Ever since then my biceps hurt during any exercise that involves them. A few days after this I started to get tricep pain during any tricep movements that burn a lot and makes my arms feel weak. I've tried everything to recover and it's been 3 months with no improvements.
Bicep area shooting painPosted November 6, 2020 by S.
I went to a nature camp for meditation. There the bedding was one blanket for putting on a hard cemented floor, nothing else, no pillow. I slept by making the bicep area a support as a pillow and it gave me tenderness, and the next day there was pain. The bicep area is painful and it has lasted over a month. I tried heat and cold compress, heating pad, and massage even. Everything gives temporary relief but no permanent relief.
Can't move arm after yogaPosted December 2, 2019 by A.
I was attending a yoga class and the teacher said to lie on your tummy and spread your arms out palms down. Then said to gently roll to the left then right, putting pressure on each shoulder and upper arm. I guess I exerted too much pressure on my left arm because since that day I've had cramping and sharp pain from my elbow to my shoulder. It’s been 2 weeks now and it still hurts like crazy. I have to stop using it I guess. I can’t even lift a can of 12 oz soup. That particular movement really shows how weak I am in the arm. Warm feels good but it says cold is better?????? I’m just gonna take Advil and rest it.
Dr. Rothschild has been a faculty member at Brigham and Women’s Hospital where he is an Associate Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School. He currently practices as a hospitalist at Newton Wellesley Hospital. In 1978, Dr. Rothschild received his MD at the Medical College of Wisconsin and trained in internal medicine followed by a fellowship in critical care medicine. He also received an MP...
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References

  1. Biceps Tendinitis. American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons: OrthoInfo. Reviewed Feb. 2016. OrthoInfo Link
  2. Biundo JJ. Tendinitis and Tenosynovitis. Merck Manual Consumer Version. Updated April 2018. Merck Manuals Consumer Version Link
  3. Heart Attack and Stroke Symptoms. American Heart Association. AHA Link
  4. Chronic Pain. Anxiety and Depression Association of America. Updated April 2016. ADAA Link
  5. Churgay CA. Diagnosis and Treatment of Biceps Tendinitis and Tendinosis. Am Fam Physician. 2009 Sep 1;80(5):470-476. AAFP Link