What are distal biceps tendinitis and tears?
The distal biceps tendon connects the biceps muscle in the front of the arm to the radius, one of the bones in the forearm. Overuse and repetitive stress can cause inflammation and tears in the biceps tendon.
What are the symptoms of distal biceps tendinitis or tear?
- Sharp pain at the front of the elbow
- Bruising around the front of the elbow
- Weakness
- Difficulty rotating the arm from a palm down to a palm up position with resistance
- Change in the contour of the biceps
What causes distal biceps tendon injuries?
Distal biceps tendinitis and tears can be caused by overuse or sudden injuries. Overuse injuries are common in sports are at risk for biceps tendinitis because of repetitive motions. An overused tendon may also eventually fray and tear. A sudden injury can occur from a fall, twisting the elbow in an awkward way or suddenly lifting a heavy object. This can cause a partial or complete tear in the biceps tendon.
What treatment options are available?
If the symptoms persist, it is recommended to schedule a consultation with Dr. Yoon. A comprehensive evaluation will be performed and a treatment plan can then be discussed based on the findings.