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I Did Some Heavy Lifting Over A Week Ago, And

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Posted on Mon, 20 May 2019
Question: I did some heavy lifting over a week ago, and I’m still experiencing pain in my right bicep. I’m concerned that I’ve torn something. How do I check?
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Answered by Dr. Dr. Michelle Gibson (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
significant tear would require severe trauma in most cases

Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic

Soft tissue injury can last 2 to 6 weeks in some persons though the longer length of time is usually if the initial trauma was severe.

Muscle strain is more likely than a significant tear which would require severe injury to the muscle.
In some cases of trauma, minor tear of the muscle can occur along with strain.

Significant tear of the muscles would then the function of the biceps and may present with weakness and deformity of the arm in some cases.

Treatment with the NSAID that you usually use for your other joint pain along with restricting the use of the arm when ever possible would be helpful, continued normal use would delay healing
A warm compress 2 to 4 times daily for 15 to 20 mins would also alleviate some discomfort.

If this has been done and there is no improvement at all or there is any worsening then you should be seen.
Imaging of the arm is the main definitive way of determining if there is any tear of the muscle, that would require a CT or MRI since x rays would only provide info on the the bones in the area

I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Dr. Michelle Gibson

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 16845 Questions

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I Did Some Heavy Lifting Over A Week Ago, And

Brief Answer: significant tear would require severe trauma in most cases Detailed Answer: HI, thanks for using healthcare magic Soft tissue injury can last 2 to 6 weeks in some persons though the longer length of time is usually if the initial trauma was severe. Muscle strain is more likely than a significant tear which would require severe injury to the muscle. In some cases of trauma, minor tear of the muscle can occur along with strain. Significant tear of the muscles would then the function of the biceps and may present with weakness and deformity of the arm in some cases. Treatment with the NSAID that you usually use for your other joint pain along with restricting the use of the arm when ever possible would be helpful, continued normal use would delay healing A warm compress 2 to 4 times daily for 15 to 20 mins would also alleviate some discomfort. If this has been done and there is no improvement at all or there is any worsening then you should be seen. Imaging of the arm is the main definitive way of determining if there is any tear of the muscle, that would require a CT or MRI since x rays would only provide info on the the bones in the area I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions