How to Diagnose Bicep Tendon Injury

Tearing a tendon in your bicep is a painful, yet common condition due to overuse or an accidental, acute injury. It is relatively easy to diagnose a bicep tendon tear, provided you follow a series of steps. If you are ever in doubt, however, contact a doctor to receive a diagnosis and proper treatment.

Things You'll Need

• Appointment with physician
• MRI (optional)

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Instructions

Diagnosis

• 1

  Visually inspect the bicep. If you see redness, swelling or bruising near the front of the elbow or the front of the shoulder, you may have suffered a bicep tear. A doctor will be able to diagnosis the severity of this tear.

• 2

  Use the hands of your non-injured arm to gently press on the tendons. Fully inspect the front of the elbow and the front of the shoulder. If both or either area is painful to the touch, then the tendon may be partially torn. A tendon that is severely painful when touched may be completely torn and require surgery.

• 3

  Bend your arm at the elbow and slowly flex the bicep. If the muscle appears irregularly shaped or is painful, you may have torn a bicep tendon.

• 4

  Visit a doctor and schedule an MRI scan that will inspect the muscle tissue and the tendons for tears. This is the most accurate way to diagnose any injury and its severity.