A bicep tendon rupture occurs when the tendon attachment separates from the bone. After this happens the muscle cannot pull on the bone and certain movements may seem weak and painful.
There are two types of ruptures:
- Proximal bicep rupture, which is an injury at the shoulder joint
- Distal bicep rupture, which is an injury toward the elbow joint
A distal bicep tendon rupture is characterized by sharp pain over the front of the elbow. Swelling and bruising around the elbow are also symptoms. A proximal rupture usually isn’t as painful.
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