Symptoms
Biceps tendinitis often comes with other shoulder problems, such as: 
- Rotator cuff injuries 
- Shoulder arthritis 
- Muscle tears 
- Shoulder stiffness
The most common symptoms of biceps tendinitis include: 
- Pain in the front of the shoulder that is made worse when pulling, lifting, or doing repeated overhead activities. 
- A dull ache that radiates from the upper arm to the elbow 
- Popping or clicking near the shoulder that often gets worse at night 
Causes
Diagnosis & Tests, Treatments, & Prevention
Diagnosis & Tests
To diagnose biceps tendinitis, your doctor will ask about your injury and medical history. The doctor will also look at your arm and shoulder and may press on the area to see if they can feel any hardness or swelling.  You may be asked to move your arm to check for any problems with motion and strength .
To confirm or rule out tendinitis, your doctor may order imaging tests, such as: 
- Ultrasound to confirm the diagnosis of biceps tendon injury 
- MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) to get more detailed images of the biceps tendon or other structures in the shoulder 
- X-rays to rule out other problems with the bones
Treatments
Treatment will depend on the severity of the injury. If your tendinitis is mild, the doctor may recommend the following to relieve your symptoms: 
- Rest. Take a break from your activities for 5 to 7 days. 
- Ice. Place a cold pack on your shoulder and upper arm for 15 to 20 minutes at a time, 4 to 6 times a day to reduce inflammation. 
- Medicine.  NSAIDs (aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen) 
- Exercise. Certain stretches or movements may help strengthen the surrounding muscles and relieve strain on the tendon. 
If your case is more severe, your doctor may recommend steroid injections or additional physical therapy. 
In the most severe cases, or if it does not get better with other treatments, your doctor may recommend surgery. 
Prevention
The best way to prevent biceps tendinitis is to: 
- Warm up and stretch properly 
- Use proper form and technique 
- Take a break from your regular routine 
- Use proper workplace supports, such as wrist guards for your mouse and keyboard, or ergonomic keyboards.