How to Diagnose Torn Bicep Tendons
A torn bicep is a common injury, especially for athletes or individuals who are frequently active. Injury often takes place because of overuse of the tendon or improper lifting technique. To accurately diagnose torn bicep tendons, a number of relatively easy steps should be taken. The following steps should not, however, take the place of the professional diagnosis of a physician.
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Instructions
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Diagnosis
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1
Inspect the tendons. Using your hand, gently press the area around the the front of your elbow and the front of your shoulder. Depending on what tendon is injured, you may feel pain to the touch at either of these areas.
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2
Check for bruising, swelling, or redness. If there is obvious swelling and redness at the front of the elbow or the front of the shoulder then you may have suffered a bicep tendon tear. Check with your doctor to diagnose the severity of the tear.
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3
Flex the bicep. If when you flex the bicep, the muscle appears bulging and irregularly formed, then you may have a tendon tear. If it is torn, this action would also be associated with pain at the location of either tendon.
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4
Contact your doctor and have an MRI. Your doctor will be able to perform an MRI test in which the soft tissue and tendons of the structure will reveal any major or minor tear. Your doctor can suggest from there the appropriate treatment depending on the severity of the tear.
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