Contents
Are You at Risk for a Biceps Tendon Injury?
Published: Aug 05, 2024
Biceps tendon injuries can happen to anyone, but certain factors can increase your risk. Knowing these risk factors can help you take steps to protect your tendons and maintain your shoulder health.
Age and Degeneration: The Inevitable Factors
As we age, our tendons naturally degenerate, making them more prone to injury. This is why biceps tendon injuries are more common in older adults. Degenerative changes can start as early as middle age, leading to a gradual weakening of the tendon over time. While we can't stop aging, understanding this risk can help us be more mindful of our shoulder health as we get older.
Occupation and Activities: The Repetitive Strain
Certain occupations and activities put more stress on the biceps tendon. Jobs or hobbies that involve frequent lifting, pulling, or overhead movements can increase your risk. This includes occupations like construction work, painting, or swimming. Athletes in sports like baseball, tennis, or weightlifting are also at higher risk due to the repetitive arm motions involved. If your work or hobbies involve these movements, it's important to use proper form and take regular breaks.
Other Health Factors: The Hidden Influences
Several health-related factors can contribute to biceps tendon injuries. Smoking has been linked to compromised blood flow in tendons, increasing the risk of injury. High body mass index (BMI) and conditions that cause chronic inflammation, like rheumatoid arthritis, can also increase your risk. Certain medications, including some antibiotics and corticosteroids, may weaken tendons over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
While not all injuries are preventable, proper form and gradual increases in activity can help.
Some studies suggest men may be at higher risk, particularly for distal biceps tendon ruptures.
Yes, prior shoulder injuries or conditions like rotator cuff tears can increase your risk.
Athletes in certain sports may have a higher risk due to repetitive arm motions.
A balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals can support overall tendon health.
Knowledge is Power
Understanding your risk factors for biceps tendon injuries empowers you to take proactive steps in maintaining your shoulder health.
References
- Clayton RA, Court-Brown CM. The epidemiology of musculoskeletal tendinous and ligamentous injuries. Injury 2008; 39:1338.
- Kelly MP, Perkinson SG, Ablove RH, Tueting JL. Distal Biceps Tendon Ruptures: An Epidemiological Analysis Using a Large Population Database. Am J Sports Med 2015; 43:2012.
- Zabrzynski J, Gagat M, Paczesny L, et al. Correlation between smoking and neovascularization in biceps tendinopathy: a functional preoperative and immunohistochemical study. Ther Adv Chronic Dis 2020; 11:2040622320956418.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic. Always discuss health information with your healthcare provider.
AI Doctor Visit Required
Appointments available 24/7
Top licensed doctors
Available in all 50 states
Full service care
Prescriptions, referrals & treatment
No insurance needed
All notes available in Doctronic
15-min consultation. No hidden costs.
AI Doctor Visit Required
Please Chat With Our AI Doctor First
Our AI doctor assessment helps our human doctors prepare for your video visit and provide better care
For safety reasons we have been forced to end this consultation.
If you believe this is a medical emergency please call 911 or your local emergency services immediately.
If you are experiencing emotional distress, please call the the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or your local crisis services immediately.
Contact us
You can also email us at help@doctronic.ai
We aim to reply within 5-7 days
How likely are you to recommend Doctronic to friends or family?