Possible causes of pain in the middle of the biceps include muscle strain, bruising, and more. In rare cases, it can be due to a heart attack. Treatments will depend on the cause.
The biceps is the muscle at the front of the upper arm. It bends the elbow and twists the forearm, allowing the palm to face upward.
Pain at the top of the biceps, near the shoulder, or at the bottom, near the elbow, may result from tendonitis. However, pain in the middle of the biceps is likely caused by a muscle strain or bruise. Either can happen during sports or other strenuous activities, such as heavy lifting.
In this article, we explore the possible causes of pain in the middle of the biceps and the treatment options.
People sometimes refer to a muscle strain as a “pulled muscle.” It happens when something pushes the muscle beyond its limits, and the fibers inside it tear.
Lifting an object that is too heavy or doing too many repetitions of an exercise can lead to muscle strain.
Other symptoms
The symptoms of muscle strain depend on the severity of the injury. Muscle strain grades are as follows:
- Grade 1: A mild strain causes pain and tenderness in the muscle with minimal structural damage.
- Grade 2: A moderate strain causes significant pain, moderate swelling, and some loss of muscle strength.
- Grade 3: A complete rupture causes severe pain and swelling and a complete loss of muscle function.
Treatment options
For grades 1 and 2 muscle strains, doctors may recommend following the RICE principle:
- Rest: Resting until the pain dies down will help the muscle heal.
- Ice: Using an ice pack several times per day for no more than 20 minutes at a time can help reduce the swelling.
- Compression: Wrapping the muscle firmly in a bandage may also help ease the swelling.
- Elevation: Keeping the biceps raised as close to the heart level as possible will help speed healing.
Over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen (Advil) and naproxen (Aleve), may help with the pain.
As the pain gets better, start using the muscle again gradually rather than returning to previous levels of activity right away.
For someone with severe muscle strain, there is a risk of the muscle tearing away from the tendon. When this happens, the only treatment is surgery.
Muscle bruising is a possible cause of pain in the middle of the biceps.
It happens when a blunt force crushes the small blood vessels inside the muscle. The blood leaks out of the broken vessels and becomes trapped within the muscle.
Many things, including sports injuries, falls, and other accidents, can cause a biceps bruise.
Other symptoms
If a person has a bruised muscle, they may feel pain in the middle of the biceps, and it may be tender to the touch.
Treatment options
The best approach for treating a muscle bruise is to follow the RICE protocol, particularly during the first 24 to 48 hours after the injury.
It can take at least several weeks for a person to return to their usual sport or activities.
Delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS) happens when someone overworks their muscles, usually during exercise. It tends to happen when starting a new activity or increasing the intensity of a workout.
DOMS can affect any muscle in the body, including the biceps.
Other symptoms
Symptoms include pain and soreness in the biceps. It may hurt to straighten the arm or carry things.
The pain may last for 24 to 72 hours.
Treatment options
People can use over-the-counter NSAIDs to help with the symptoms. Massage and rest can also help ease the pain and soreness.
Sometimes, pain in the left arm can signal a heart attack. This happens when part of the heart does not get the blood it needs to function properly.
A heart attack is a medical emergency. The
Other symptoms
The pain can be different for everyone, but it might radiate from the shoulder down into the biceps area. Usually, the pain comes on suddenly.
Other heart attack symptoms include:
- pain or discomfort in the left or center of the chest
- feeling weak, faint, or lightheaded
- a cold sweat
- pain or discomfort in the jaw, neck, or back
- shortness of breath
- unexplained tiredness
- nausea and vomiting
The pain or discomfort in the chest might last for more than a few minutes or keep going away and returning. People have described it as a feeling of pressure, squeezing, or fullness in the chest.
Learn more about spotting the signs of a heart attack.
Treatment options
If someone may be having a heart attack, call 911 or the local emergency number right away. The sooner the person receives medical attention, the more likely they are to recover. Treatments
Anyone who may be having a heart attack should seek immediate medical care.
Mild to moderate muscle strains, bruises, and DOMS may get better on their own. If muscle pain is severe or does not go away, it is important to contact a doctor for an accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Muscle injuries can happen when people suddenly increase the intensity, frequency, or duration of physical activity, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons reports.
Tips that may help reduce the risk of biceps pain or injury include:
- starting or adding new activities slowly and building up their intensity gradually
- always warming up before exercise or other strenuous activities
- drinking plenty of water during exercise or physical activity
- always cooling down after working out
- having regular rest days to allow the muscles to recover
A person can also take steps to help lower the likelihood of a heart attack. These
- having a balanced diet
- maintaining a moderate weight
- getting enough regular physical activity or exercise
- limiting alcohol intake
- not smoking
Learn more about heart attack prevention.
Possible causes of pain in the middle of the biceps include muscle strain, bruises, and delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) after exercise.
Mild injuries usually get better on their own, while more severe ones may require medical treatment and physical therapy.
Sometimes, pain in the left arm can indicate a heart attack. Anyone who is experiencing symptoms of a heart attack should seek emergency medical care.