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Biceps tendon tear as a symptom of PMR

Posted by orangecat @orangecat, Feb 24, 2025

Hello all. Just ending my 5th week on prednisone (3x5mg daily.) About 2 weeks ago strong pain returned in my left bicep (my original problem start area.) About 2 days into the increased pain condition I noticed my biceps tendon bulging out to one side. Visit to PCP identified it as torn (so did an MRI.) It seems that the prednisone can't prevent degradation in this area from progressing to a full on tear with bulge and pain/weakness? I see rheumatologist in two days. I don't anticipate a surgical repair but I wonder if this indicates a larger dose of prednisone is needed?

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stonewheel | @stonewheel | Aug 26 8:58am
In reply to @kayept "I am a year late to this party, but I have significant supportive information. I was..." + (show)
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I am a year late to this party, but I have significant supportive information. I was diagnosed with PMR early Oct 2025 after symptoms began in June. I began 10mg pred until March of 2026 when I was diagnosed with GCA, when my pred was increased to 40mg. I self diagnosed each disorder. Being a retired P.T., I had some knowledge of rheumatic/autoimmune diseases, but not these two! I had a right bicep tendonitis early 2025 and went to my colleagues for OP P.T. It did little good. Once on the pred in October, all discomfort was resolved. Now I am tapering and am down to 3mg pred daily with weekly Tyenne injections. I felt a few twinges of the bicipital tendonitis 2 weeks after tapering to the 3mg. Three weeks into my 3mg taper, I was just readjusting a heavy firesafe box on the folded towel I keep it on so I can maneuver the heavy thing, when I heard and felt a tearing in my anterior upper arm. I immediately knew what I had done. My research revealed that whether pred is taken systemically or injected locally, it can further degrade already compromised tendon tissue. There you have it, the consequences of unavoidable circumstances.

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@kayept we are so similar, even the dates. Best wishes sister.

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rocksology | @rocksology | Aug 27 7:53am

My right long bicep tore completely about 10 years ago. “Spontaneous tear” was the diagnosis and was told unless I used my arm for physical labor, they wouldn’t repair it. It was SO painful! I was having severe muscle pain, joint pain (hips, neck, hands and feet) along with the tear. Was told I had Fibromyalgia and due to my medication intolerances there was nothing the Rheumatologist could do to help me. Good luck and go away.
I’ve had two shoulder surgeries since for spontaneous tears of the rotator cuff. Now it’s torn again and I’m facing a reverse shoulder replacement.
I was diagnosed with PMR 18 months or two years ago - can’t keep all the diagnosis’s straight anymore. Then my hands became unbelievably swollen and an MRI showed RA. It’s Seronegative so instead of even looking for the actual cause of the widespread pain I was given the Fibromyalgia and chronic pain diagnosis which, short of Suboxone, they refused to treat. I refused Suboxone because I’m a drug and alcohol counselor and know the risks on that drug.
I’m not a doctor, but I think a larger dose of prednisone would put your tendons at a higher risk of tears. PubMed has an article titled “Tendon Ruptures Associated With Corticosteroid Therapy”. I don’t know how to attach the article here. You should run this by your doctor. I hope you find the answers you need, living in constant pain is so hard. You are a strong person, keep your chin up and advocate strongly for help.

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