The biceps muscle is located in the front of your upper arm. It helps you bend your elbow and rotate your forearm. The tendon is a tough band of tissue that connects the muscle to the bone. In the case of the distal biceps, the tendon attaches the biceps muscle to the elbow joint.

This injury usually happens due to sudden forceful movements, such as:

• Lifting a heavy object: This is the most common cause, especially if you’re not used to intense lifting.
• Falling: Landing on an outstretched arm can put excessive stress on the tendon.
• Sports activities: Activities involving forceful pulling or twisting motions, such as weightlifting, wrestling, or football, can increase the risk.

This injury usually happens due to sudden forceful movements, such as:

• Sudden, sharp pain in the front of your elbow: This pain often occurs immediately after the injury.
• Weakness in your arm: You might have difficulty bending your elbow or lifting objects.
• Visible “bulging” of the biceps muscle: The muscle may appear to bunch up near your shoulder due to the detached tendon.
• Bruising and swelling around the elbow: This is common in the initial stages of the injury.

Your doctor will likely:

• Ask about your symptoms and medical history.
• Perform a physical examination to assess your elbow and arm strength.
• Order imaging tests like X-rays or an MRI scan to confirm the tear and its location.

Treatment for a distal biceps tendon rupture typically depends on the severity of the tear and your activity level. Options include:

• Non-surgical treatment: This involves resting the arm, applying ice therapy, pain medication, and physical therapy to regain strength and flexibility. This is usually preferred for less severe tears or in individuals with lower activity demands.
• Surgery: surgery might be necessary to reattach the torn tendon to the bone. This is typically recommended for athletes or individuals requiring full recovery of their arm strength. In chronic cases where a direct repair is not possible, a allograft tendon (Donor Tendon) is used to reconstruct the biceps tendon.

Recovery time for a distal biceps tendon rupture can vary depending on the severity of the injury and the chosen treatment method. It’s crucial to follow your doctor’s instructions for a safe and successful recovery.

Early diagnosis and treatment are essential for optimal healing and regaining full function of your arm. If you experience sudden pain and weakness in your elbow after a forceful activity, consult your doctor to discuss the possibility of a distal biceps tendon rupture and its appropriate treatment options.