Often secondary to rotator cuff instability, biceps tendonitis occurs when the tendons attaching the biceps muscle to the shoulder and lower arm bone become overused or stressed. The corresponding irritation and inflammation results in tendonitis.

The biceps tendon is vulnerable to such conditions, because it helps control lower arm movement and is subjected to extreme force in such throwing sports as competitive baseball or football.

Symptoms associated with biceps tendonitis include, pain along the front of the shoulder during arm and shoulder movement - particularly forward and upward movements - which intensifies at night and becomes increasingly prevalent during daily activity.

Risk Factors
Those most often affected by biceps tendonitis are competitive athletes involved in throwing positions in a sport. It equally impacts active men and women, who repeatedly subject their arm to such force. Though less common, a direct trauma or calcification in the tendon may also prompt the condition.

Treatment
Following a thorough examination and assessment of the patient’s history and lifestyle, radiographic testing may be indicated in order to determine the severity of the problem and select the best treatment option.

Conservative treatment has proven effective in the treatment of biceps tendonitis and generally involves anti-inflammatory medication and cold compression. A rehabilitative exercise program designed to strengthen and promote flexibility and balanced conditioning of opposing muscles is established. Corticosteroid injections may also be indicated in order to reduce the inflammation and pain.

Generally caused by a secondary pressure or direct trauma, radial nerve dysfunction occurs when compression and inflammation resulting from an injury or extreme stress constricts the narrow passageways through which the radial nerve must pass. It is most commonly associated with fractures of the humerus or upper arm bone, but may also result from new compression to the underarm created by such uncommon practices as using crutches for an extended period of time.

The radial nerve travels down the arm and aids in the movement of the triceps muscle located at the back of the arm. It also plays a role in permitting the extension at the wrist and providing sensation in the wrist and hand.

Radial nerve dysfunction is a form of peripheral neuropathy, which refers to the peripheral nervous system, or large network transmitting information from the brain and spinal cord to every other part of the body. When a single nerve group such as the radial nerve is damaged, it is called a mononeuropathy, which indicates a single, local cause of nerve damage.

An individual suffering from radial nerve dysfunction my have difficulty extending the arm at the elbow and the wrist. There may also be some numbing, a burning sensation and pain. In more severe cases, the patient may experience a wrist drop or finger drop, as a result of weakened muscles.

Risk Factors
Individuals sustaining trauma to the upper arm are most often diagnosed with radial nerve dysfunction, as well as those required to use crutches for an extended period of time.

Treatment
A thorough physical and neuromuscular examination of the arm, hand and wrist may be followed by an electromyogram (EMG) and nerve conduction velocity (NCV) test in order to assess muscle function and electrical impulse speed. The severity of the condition will determine treatment.

Conservative treatment has proven effective in treating radial nerve dysfunction in the triceps and may include rest from the activity causing irritation and inflammation. A removable arm splint may also be indicated at night if pain worsens during sleep. And a specific rehabilitation program is developed to ensure normal resumption of activities.

Those patients nonresponsive to conservative treatment may benefit from an outpatient procedure designed to surgically decompress the nerves.