Distal Biceps Tendonitis
Distal biceps tendonitis is an inflammation of the tendon area that connects the biceps muscle to the radius bone at the elbow. Many cases of distal biceps tendonitis are the result of overuse during sports or due to occupational needs.
What You Need To Know About Distal Biceps Tendonitis
What is Distal Biceps Tendonitis?
Your biceps muscles elevate your arm and help you reach for objects. Tendons attach the muscle to the bone and make movement possible. One of the tendons that control the biceps muscle is located on the radius bone.
Overuse or sudden impact to this tendon can cause painful inflammation. Additionally, distal biceps tendonitis can be related to occupational injury. Distal biceps tendonitis presents as soreness in front of the elbow that can make everyday tasks painful.
Getting distal biceps tendonitis treatment starts with a visit to Resurgens Orthopaedics. Visit our experts at one of our metro Atlanta locations to learn more about your distal biceps tendonitis treatment options!
What Causes Distal Biceps Tendonitis?
Inflammation can happen to just about any tendon. It can be caused by age, injury, or overuse. Certain activities may put you at risk of developing distal biceps tendonitis.
Athletes who participate in sports like baseball, golf, basketball, bowling, tennis, swimming, bowling, or similar sports are more likely to develop distal biceps tendonitis. These sports require many repetitive motions, and not having a perfected technique during activities like throwing can increase your risk.
Additionally, certain occupations that involve repetitive overhead motion, lifting heavy objects, or poor posture may increase your chances of developing distal biceps tendonitis.
Distal Biceps Tendonitis Symptoms
There are many symptoms of distal biceps tendonitis. Typically the symptoms are felt where the bone and tendon meet near the elbow. These symptoms include:
Pain when moving joint
Mild inflammation or swelling
Tenderness in the limb or joint
Pain in the spot inside your elbow
How is Distal Biceps Tendonitis Diagnosed?
Finding the right distal biceps tendonitis treatment starts with a visit to Resurgens Orthopaedics. During your appointment, your Resurgens physician will talk to you about your symptoms to narrow down the causes of your pain. Part of the appointment will involve asking about your family history, hobbies, and related questions. Your physician may ask you to demonstrate your current range of motion.
Diagnostic imaging helps your physician pinpoint the cause of your pain. Your physician will use your scans to confirm your diagnosis and plan a distal biceps tendonitis treatment customized to your unique needs.
Distal Biceps Tendonitis Treatment
There are many options for distal biceps tendonitis treatment. The ultimate goal of any treatment is to help you resume your life and alleviate discomfort.
Non-Surgical Treatment
Distal biceps tendonitis is an injury that results from overuse, and continuing to use an injured tendon can cause more damage. RICE therapy (rest, ice, compression, elevation) may reduce the severity of symptoms. Other measures like bracing or physical therapy can help decrease inflammation.
Over-the-counter pain relievers like Advil and Aleve may help restore movement. Be careful with these substances because they may become habit-forming.
Surgical Treatment
Surgical treatment may be necessary for more advanced distal biceps tendonitis injuries. Minimally-invasive procedures like biceps tenodesis can repair damaged tendons with less scarring and with a quicker recovery time.
Finding relief for distal biceps tendonitis starts with a visit to Resurgens Orthopaedics. Schedule an appointment at one of our Metro Atlanta locations now!