Distal Biceps Tendinitis
Biceps is a muscle which lies in front of the arm and attaches to the radius distally through a tough band of fibrous tissue called as Biceps tendon. Main function of Biceps muscle is elbow flexion and pronation-supination of forearm.
Various abnormalities that can affect Biceps tendon include
- Biceps tendinitis: Inflammation of the tendon
- Biceps tendinopathy: Degeneration of the tendon due to overuse
- Biceps tendon Rupture: Discontinuation in the tendon due to injury
Signs and Symptoms of Biceps Tendinitis/Tendinopathy
- Pain and tenderness at the front of the elbow and forearm.
- May be associated with swelling at the front of the elbow
- Limited range of motion of elbow due to pain
- Thickening of the tendon with s/o degeneration on Ultrasound examination
- S/o peritendinous fluid collection
Risk Factors
- Lifting heavy weights as in gyms
- Trauma involving the elbow may lead to tendon tears
- Sudden change in the schedule or intensity of any sports activity
- Excessive training putting increased stress on the tendon and causing multiple micro-traumas
- Consumption of certain antibiotics like Fluoroquinolones puts a person at temporary risk of tendon injury
- Certain arthritic conditions like Ankylosing spondylitis or Psoriatic arthritis, predispose patients to Biceps tendon abnormalities
JEEVISHA protocol for management of Achilles tendinitis/Tendinopathy
- Medications: In the initial course of the management of this condition, patients may be prescribed some Anti-inflammatory medications. Some other medications may be prescribed depending on the condition of the patient, which is individualized from patient to patient basis.
- Physiotherapy: Physiotherapy plays a very important role in fighting this painful condition. With a team of dedicated physiotherapist, patient is further evaluated and accordingly a plan is prepared for first reducing pain with different modalities and then slowly rehabilitating elbow for normal functioning.
Targeted treatment
- Ultrasound guided Peri-tendinous injection
- Ultrasound guided Dextrose prolotherapy
- Ultrasound guided Platelet rich plasma Prolotherapy
In cases of Near complete or Complete rupture of Biceps tendon , patient has to undergo reparative surgeries.