distal biceps tendinopathy
Enthesopathy of the attachment point (origin) of the muscle that turns your palm up with strength (ie supination)
"Distal" means towards the fingertips
The muscle that bends your elbow is the brachialis
The brachialis is not a problem
Good news: distal biceps tendons that hurt don't usually rupture and tendons that rupture don't usually hurt before they rupture
"Distal" means towards the fingertips
The muscle that bends your elbow is the brachialis
The brachialis is not a problem
Good news: distal biceps tendons that hurt don't usually rupture and tendons that rupture don't usually hurt before they rupture
Misnomers
"Partial tear" of the distal biceps tendon
It's not an injury
"Partial tear" of the distal biceps tendon
It's not an injury
How do I know if I have distal biceps tendinopathy?
Age 35 to 65
Tender to pressure over a single deep point in the crease of the elbow over the biceps tendon
Pain when turning the palm up with force (e.g. tightening a screw)
Age 35 to 65
Tender to pressure over a single deep point in the crease of the elbow over the biceps tendon
Pain when turning the palm up with force (e.g. tightening a screw)
Treatment options
It's safe to keep active
It may go away in 1 to 2 years
(this enthesopathy is less common than lateral or medial epicondylitis so it's less certain what will happen)
Things to help you feel better while you wait for it to go (click to learn more):
Peace of mind (it's safe to be yourself and do things that hurt)
Stretching and strengthening
Braces
Ice or heat
Acetaminophen or NSAIDs
What about injections?
Unwise. They can weaken the tendon.
It's safe to keep active
It may go away in 1 to 2 years
(this enthesopathy is less common than lateral or medial epicondylitis so it's less certain what will happen)
Things to help you feel better while you wait for it to go (click to learn more):
Peace of mind (it's safe to be yourself and do things that hurt)
Stretching and strengthening
Braces
Ice or heat
Acetaminophen or NSAIDs
What about injections?
Unwise. They can weaken the tendon.