What causes pain in your biceps?

The biceps tendon attaches from the inside of the shoulder down to the forearm. Patients can have problems at either end of the tendon, causing pain in the biceps. 

In the shoulder, tendonitis or tearing of the biceps can occur. This can be treated with a cortisone injection and therapy or arthroscopic surgery to remove the damaged portion of the biceps and reattach the healthy part. 

At the elbow, tendonitis and tearing can also occur. Tendonitis is generally from overuse and may require rest, ice and anti-inflammatory medications. Cortisone injections can’t be given in this area. If the biceps tears it is due to a sudden injury, most commonly with lifting. The biceps pulls away from the bone and requires surgery to reattach it.