Distal Biceps Tendinopathy

Enthesopathy of the attachment point (origin) of the muscle that turns your palm up with strength (ie supination)
"Distal" means towards the fingertips
The muscle that bends your elbow is the brachialis; the brachialis is not a problem
Good news: distal biceps tendons that hurt don't usually rupture and tendons that rupture don't usually hurt before they rupture

Misnomers

• "Partial tear" of the distal biceps tendon

• It's not an injury

How do I know if I have distal biceps tendinopathy? 

• Age 35 to 65

• Tender to pressure over a single deep point in the crease of the elbow over the biceps tendon

• Pain when turning the palm up with force (e.g. tightening a screw)

Treatment options

• It's safe to keep active

• It may go away in 1 to 2 years (this enthesopathy is less common than lateral or medial epicondylitis so it's less certain what will happen)

• Things to help you feel better while you wait for it to go:

  • Peace of mind (it's safe to be yourself and do things that hurt)

  • Ice or heat

  • Acetaminophen or NSAIDs

• What about injections?

  • Unwise. They can weaken the tendon.