The biceps is at the front of the upper arm, and the biceps tendons connect the muscle to bone. There are two upper tendons that attach the muscle to bone at the shoulder, and one tendon to connect the biceps muscle to the bone at the elbow -- called the distal biceps tendon. Injuries to of any of the biceps tendons cause weakness, pain, and lameness. Weight lifters may experience tendon ruptures during extremely heavy lifting.
Biceps Tendon Tears
Tendon tears, also called ruptures, are classed as either "partial" or "complete." A partial rupture occurs when there is a tear that does not completely sever the tendon. Complete tears divide the tendon into two pieces and are much more severe injuries. Most distal biceps tendon ruptures are complete. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, this type of rupture is rare and occurs only in one to two people out of 100,000 each year. Women are rarely affected.
Causes
There are multiple causes for a biceps tendon tear. Extremely heavy lifting with improper form, such as bending the elbows during a deadlift, is one major cause of rupture. Other causes include additional risk factors that, combined with heavy lifting, make a person more prone to rupture. Examples of risk factors include smoking and drugs, which weaken the tendons. Nicotine use affects nutrition in the tendons and can cause weakness. Some drugs that weaken the tendons are corticosteroids, anabolic steroids, and fluoroquinolones such as Ciprofloxin Hydrochloride, or Cipro. Persons using this type of antibiotics should avoid heavy lifting.
Symptoms
Sudden pain, sometimes associated with a "popping" noise and sensation, is commonly reported by people suffering from tendon ruptures. Cramping, bruising, and tenderness are likely. Some people notice a bulge or lump in the upper arm where one did not previously exist. Alternatively, some experience a lessening of pain once the tendon completely ruptures. This is because the rupture is the final event, where previously inflammation and irritation of the tendon caused chronic pain.
Treatment
Non-surgical treatment involve rest, application of cold packs and ice, anti-inflammatory medication, non-steroidal pain medication, and physical therapy exercises. Complete ruptures require surgery for repair. This involves reattaching the tendon to the bone, or suturing the two sections of tendon back together. Most repairs of this type leave only three or four small scars if arthroscopic surgery is used. Following the surgery, physical therapy is prescribed to aid in recovery. A slow and careful return to weight lifting is usually possible.
