The bicep tendons connect the bicep muscle to the bone. In a rupture an injury causes the tendon to become detached and the muscle can no longer pull the bone.
Proximal bicep tendon ruptures occurs at the shoulder joint and is common in older patients
Distal bicep tendon ruptures occur at the elbow join and are more common in those lifting heavy weights
Symptoms
In proximal cases there are minimal symptoms mainly discomfort
In distal cases there may be significant pain, stiffness to the area and difficulty in movement
Cause
Usually occurs with heavy or awkward lifting
Treatment
Physiotherapy
Heat therapy may help with the healing phase and reduce pain
rubs will help in pain relief
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
Surgery is common to restore proper function
Prevention
Good lifting practice
Sufficient warm up and cooling down after exercise
