Causes: How do distal biceps tendon problems develop?
An injury to the distal biceps tendon can be a partial rupture, but in most cases you will see a complete rupture. A rupture of the tendon most often occurs when the elbow is being pulled into a straightened (extended) position while it is actively trying to do the opposite. Common causes include lifting weights/objects that are too heavy or one-arm water skiing.
Often there is a degenerative process, such as tendinosis, that affects the tendon and makes it more vulnerable to injury. People living sedentary lives, or those who are less physically active are also more prone to tendon injury when subjected to bearing the weight of a heavy load. Smoking has also been linked to this form of injury as nicotine can have an impact on tendon quality. During a sudden, forceful forearm flexion, you can experience a stabbing pain with a snapping sensation followed by bruising soon after. In cases of a complete rupture, it is possible for the biceps tendon to retract towards the shoulder, potentially causing a noticeable cosmetic deformity in the upper arm.