The bicep is particularly susceptible to overuse injuries, especially in individuals performing repetitive lifting activities. It is connected to the shoulder by a long tendon that passes through a groove in the upper arm bone (humerus). The bicep tendon, in turn, is held in the humerus by a ligament. If this ligament becomes injured or stretched, the tendon is not held firmly in place and it slides in the groove causing severe discomfort and pain and, in some cases, leads to bicipital tendinitis. Other causes of pain and discomfort may include poor lifting techniques and conditioning.

Tendinosis is another bicep problem and is caused by repetitive elbow flexion against resistance at the distal portion of the biceps at the elbow.

The triceps is the strong muscle at the back of the upper arm. It, too, is susceptible to injury. Tricipital tendinitis can develop at the triceps insertion in the elbow (olecronon) and can be caused by overuse and repetitive resisted elbow extension.