Seeking Advice on Persistent Bicep Bruising – Possible Tear?
At 27 years old, I’ve been dealing with bicep tendonitis for quite some time. Recently, after a bowling outing, I awoke the following morning to find a bruise on my bicep that has lingered without improvement for an entire week. Although I didn't experience any popping sensation, I did notice discomfort in my elbow—something I'm somewhat accustomed to given my background as a former pitcher. I attempted the hook test, where I found that I could easily hook my other bicep, yet struggled with this injured one. The bruise I’m referring to is a small yellowish-dark patch located just above my forearm and below my bicep. Along with this discoloration, I’ve also been experiencing minor swelling, some pain, and a sense of weakness in that area. Does anyone have insights or advice on whether this could indicate a more serious injury, such as a tear?
Answers (1)
8/17/2025, 5:40:56 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're dealing with a concerning situation regarding your bicep. The bruise, accompanying discomfort, and weakness you described may indicate some form of injury, potentially linked to your existing bicep tendonitis. While it's natural to worry about a more serious issue like a rupture or tear, let’s explore the symptoms and steps you can take to manage this effectively.
Explanation
The bruising and swelling typically suggest some degree of soft tissue injury, which could be due to overuse or a strain rather than a complete tear, especially since you didn't experience a popping sensation during your activities. However, difficulty performing the hook test could indicate a functional issue with the muscle or tendon, which is important to monitor closely.
Next Steps
Here are prioritized actions you can take to address your symptoms:
-
Rest and Avoid Aggravation: Give your arm a break from activities that could worsen the pain or further strain your bicep. This includes lifting, pushing, or playing sports.
-
Ice the Area: Apply ice packs to the bruised area for 15-20 minutes every few hours. This can help reduce swelling and numb the pain. Make sure to wrap the ice or use a cloth to protect your skin.
-
Compression: Use a compression bandage or wrap to help minimize swelling and provide support. Ensure it's snug but not too tight, as this could restrict blood flow.
-
Elevation: Whenever possible, keep your arm elevated to help control swelling. This can be done by propping it on pillows when resting.
-
Monitor Symptoms: Keep an eye on the bruise and any changes in your pain or weakness. Note any increases in swelling, changes in range of motion, or if the bruise spreads.
-
Gentle Movement: Once the acute pain subsides, consider gentle range-of-motion exercises. Avoid any movements that cause pain, and listen to your body.
-
Pain Relief: If necessary, consider using over-the-counter pain relief, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, following the dosage instructions.
If your symptoms don’t improve within a week, or you notice increased severity—like significant swelling, inability to move your arm, or the pain worsens—these may be signs that further evaluation is needed. This could help rule out any more serious injuries like tears or ruptures.
Your concerns are valid, and taking these steps should help you manage your symptoms while providing time to heal. If you have more questions or need further clarification, feel free to ask!
Related Questions
Braved the Cold Without Gloves at -20
19-year-old from Toronto here. After being outside in frigid temperatures, I've returned home feeling quite cold. My right hand is experiencing numbness and tingling in the fingertips. What steps should I take? It's been around 7 to 8 hours since I was outdoors.
Managing Early Appendicitis: Antibiotics vs. Surgery
I’m a 21-year-old who recently had a CT scan revealing mild inflammation in my appendix and lymph nodes. My doctor informed me that surgery might not be necessary if the antibiotics effectively alleviate my discomfort by tomorrow. However, I can’t shake my fears about a potential recurrence of the inflammation. The thought of going through a post-surgery recovery terrifies me, so I really want to steer clear of that option. Has anyone opted for antibiotics rather than surgical intervention? What was your experience like?
Severe Abdominal Discomfort
An 18-year-old male, with no history of smoking or current medications, finds himself at home, surrounded by his sleeping family. He stands approximately 5 feet 11 inches tall and weighs around 220 pounds. Lately, he has been experiencing persistent discomfort in the lower left side of his abdomen. This sensation has intensified recently, culminating in a bout of vomiting, which was notably different this time, presenting more solid material rather than the usual liquid with some fragments. The level of pain has escalated significantly, leaving him uncertain about seeking medical assistance at this moment. What steps should he take?
Concerns Over My Partner's Persistent Pain and Resistance to Seek Medical Help
I’m facing a worrying situation with my partner, a 40-year-old man who stands 6 feet 1 inch tall and weighs approximately 19 stone. Here's a brief overview of his medical background: Twenty years ago, he experienced two instances of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in his left shoulder. Following the second incident, doctors discovered an abnormal growth of a rib that was pressing against a vein, which was the cause of those DVTs. More recently, he dealt with a blood clot in his calf last year. Fortunately, that was successfully treated, and he returned to his normal health. Although he was advised to continue taking apixaban for the long term, he has, unfortunately, chosen not to follow through with this guidance. He also has a history of elevated blood pressure. For the past couple of days, he has been experiencing two concerning symptoms that emerged simultaneously: a persistent cough with no accompanying cold or flu signs, and a severe pain located on the right side of his torso. He describes this discomfort as being mostly in his stomach yet extending slightly to his back. I would pinpoint the troubled area as the lower part of his ribs along the side of his body. It's unusual for him to express discomfort or complain about his health, so his recent grievances signal to me that the pain is likely quite significant. Despite my repeated suggestions for him to visit a doctor, he insists that he may have simply pulled a muscle. To manage the pain, he's been applying an ibuprofen cream (voltarol) and taking naproxen, but neither seems to provide relief. What might be the underlying issue here? I hope that some medical professionals who see this post can offer their insights, which might persuade him to consider making a doctor’s appointment. I’m open to providing any additional information you might require for a more informed perspective. Thank you for your help!
Struggling with Bleeding and Pain Since Christmas
I'm a 27-year-old woman from the UK, and I've reached a point of exasperation. I'm reaching out because I hope someone can provide insight or guidance on what I should discuss with my doctors. Please excuse any grammar or spelling errors as I have dyslexia. I've been diagnosed with endometriosis and underwent surgery in 2022 for confirmation of that diagnosis. On December 15th, I had my birth control implant removed after nearly two years. During that period, I experienced severe menstrual cramps and PMS. My GP started me on Drospirenone 3mg and Estetrol 14.2mg COCP in October to alleviate these symptoms and suppress my periods, which provided some relief. Prior to this situation, I occasionally dealt with flare-ups that typically lasted a few days or up to a week. To help manage the discomfort, I have been prescribed Duloxetine at a dosage of 90mg. I had an ultrasound earlier this summer, and the results came back normal. Currently, I am awaiting an MRI. Last year, my smear test results were also clear. After the removal of my implant in December, I began bleeding on Christmas Eve. Initially, I could manage with just a panty liner, but over the next few weeks, the bleeding intensified, requiring the use of pads due to increased blood flow and blood clots. Given my history with endometriosis, pain isn't unfamiliar to me; my average pain level is around a 4, but it has recently escalated to 7 or 8. In the past couple of weeks, the discomfort has worsened. My job demands physical activity, and bending over now causes pain in my back and legs. Additionally, I experience discomfort when my bladder fills, and urination is painful, although it doesn't feel like a urinary tract infection. I've also been waking up at night to use the restroom. My doctor performed a urine dip test that showed no signs of infection, though there was blood in my urine, which he indicated was to be expected. Recently, my GP prescribed Tranexamic acid 500mg and Mefenamic acid 500mg, which helped with the blood clots, but I'm still experiencing bleeding and significant pain. I've been diligent about taking my medication, treating it like a strict regimen. I returned to the GP, who referred me for another ultrasound and advised me to go to A&E if the pain worsens. I've been resting as much as possible while still trying to maintain some level of activity, but it hasn't provided much relief. Any assistance or advice would be immensely appreciated! Thank you!