Cure & Diagnosis for Biceps Tendon Arm Injury

When it comes to bending and rotating our forearm, credit goes to the biceps muscle. Because of its workload, injuries can occur. A biceps tendon arm injury mainly occurs from overuse or lifting something heavy. The injury is particularly common among athletes and people who lift weights. An examination determines whether it is a partial or complete biceps tendon injury. The diagnosis directs the course of treatment.

Identifying Biceps Tendon Arm Injury

• The biceps muscle is located in the front of your upper arm and contains three tendons, two that begin at the shoulder and one in the radius bone of the forearm. The job of these tendons is to keep the biceps muscle attached to the bones in your shoulder and elbow.

  An injury to the biceps tendon is immediately recognizable because you lose strength in your arm and are unable to bend your arm or rotate your forearm without discomfort. Swelling also occurs in the injured area, and bruising may occur on the elbow.

  A biceps injury is diagnosed by a clinical exam of the arm. If the biceps muscle appears and feels intact, a partial tear is likely. But if there is a complete tear, the biceps muscle feels disconnected and appears as a bulge in the arm. In some instances, an MRI may be taken to identify the extent of the injury.

Partial Biceps Tendon Injury

• With a partial biceps tendon arm injury, the tendon is not completely torn. The injury is diagnosed by bending your arm and flexing the biceps muscle. Minimal discomfort using the muscle indicates a partial tear.

  The remedy for a partially torn biceps tendon is rest and rehabilitation. Ice and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications are recommended for reducing swelling. Biceps strengthening exercises restore flexibility and movement in the muscle and tendon.

Complete Biceps Tendon Damage

• With a torn biceps tendon, a tear rips the tendon apart. A complete biceps tendon injury requires surgery. For a recent biceps injury, the tendon can be repaired. But if the injury took place awhile ago, the biceps tendon needs to be reconstructed using a graft. In this type of procedure, the graft of a donor tendon is inserted into the radius of the forearm and anchored with sutures. A splint is applied to protect the arm while it heals.

  Six weeks after surgery, biceps strengthening exercises are prescribed. No lifting of heavy objects should take place for six months.