To what extent can I use my arm if I have bicep tendinitis?
Posted , 2 users are following.
Female, 23, 100 lbs, 5’1
I got bicep tendinitis from lifting something heavy at work. It started slowly, the pain would come and go but it eventually never stop hurting. Doctor told me to take pain killers and to be patient but wasn’t clear on what I should or should not do. It hurts when I do just anything. The pain is like a 5/10 from my bicep down into my hand. It’s my dominant arm as well!
Can I still use it to brush my teeth, straighten my hair or blow dry it? I have a really hard time doing these things with my left hand but I’m scared I might cause a tear.
0 likes, 9 replies
andrew48722 maria38027
Posted
Hi Maria
I don't think there's any quick fix. 4-6 weeks rest as much as possible and keep using anti inflammatory pain killers if you are allowed. I think you are OK doing the simply tasks like brushing hair/teeth etc but do it slowly. You are only likely to tear if if you put a heavier strain on it.
maria38027 andrew48722
Posted
thanks! WHAT WOULD BE CONSIDERED A HEAVIER STRAIN? LIKE LIFTING A BOX ETC?
andrew48722 maria38027
Posted
every day tasks should be fine. As for a box it depend on the weight. think in terms of bags of sugar. if each one weighs 2lb then do you think you could lift just 1 or 2 easily and then judge against that?
if in doubt don't !!
maria38027 andrew48722
Posted
everyday tasks cause a great amount of pain 😦 so no boxes
andrew48722 maria38027
Posted
how long have you had the pain?
If you are resting it then it should start to feel better. If not then I would go back to your GP as it might be something more than tendonitis
maria38027 andrew48722
Posted
I’ve had the pain for 3 weeks now. It gets better but worse again when I do activities like washing the dishes or cleaning the toilet using my injured hand
maria38027 andrew48722
Posted
I have been off from work for 2 weeks now
andrew48722 maria38027
Posted
Hi Maria
I found this that might help:
*The pain of tendinitis can be significant and worsens if damage progresses because of continued use of the joint. Most damage heals in about two to four weeks, but chronic tendinitis can take more than six weeks, often because the sufferer doesn't give the tendon time to heal. In chronic cases, there may be restriction of motion of the joint due to scarring or narrowing of the sheath of tissue that surrounds the tendon. *
There seems to be no short term solution other than to try and rest & protect the arm. It seems that anti-inflammatory painkillers, a support and limit the use as much as possible. If there's no improvement after a couple of weeks go back to the doctor...
Sorry I can't help further
maria38027 andrew48722
Posted
Thank you. You have helped plenty!