×

This article on Epainassist.com has been reviewed by a medical professional, as well as checked for facts, to assure the readers the best possible accuracy.

We follow a strict editorial policy and we have a zero-tolerance policy regarding any level of plagiarism. Our articles are resourced from reputable online pages. This article may contains scientific references. The numbers in the parentheses (1, 2, 3) are clickable links to peer-reviewed scientific papers.

The feedback link “Was this Article Helpful” on this page can be used to report content that is not accurate, up-to-date or questionable in any manner.

This article does not provide medical advice.

1

Biceps Femoris Tendinopathy: Symptoms, Treatment- Ice, Massage, Rehab, NSAIDs

Biceps femoris1 is a tendon which is present in the hamstring muscle. Any sort of trauma or injury to it causes pain in the external and posterior side of the knee.

Biceps Femoris Tendinopathy

Biceps Femoris Tendinopathy

The tendons which make up the hamstring muscles2 are biceps femoris, semi-tendinosus, and semi-membranosus. These muscles are responsible for flexion of the knee and extension of the hip. Impairments such as inadequate healing of partial rupture or chronic overuse of the muscle results in inflammation of the muscles. This often involves the biceps femoris tendon. This is the only muscle present in the hamstring that is attached to the external region of the posterior part of the knee.

Symptoms of Biceps Femoris Tendinopathy

  • Tenderness at the site where the tendon enters the bone.
  • Swelling at the site where the tendon enters the bone.
  • If a person has biceps femoris tendinopathy, then one will have tenderness in the outer part or back portion of the knee. If the tendons apart from the biceps femoris are involved then tenderness is present medially.
  • There is pain with resisted flexion of the knee.
  • Stiffness of the knee after physical activity or exercise.
  • There is tightness of the hamstring muscles resulting in limitation of hip flexion.

Treatment of Biceps Femoris Tendinopathy

  • Adequate rest is required.
  • Use of ice or cold therapy.
  • Consultation with a sports injury professional.
  • Anti-inflammatory medications3 can be used for reduction of pain, swelling and inflammation.
  • Ultrasound and laser has been found to be beneficial.
  • A comprehensive rehabilitation program with exercises focusing on stretching and strengthening is beneficial.
  • Eccentric training is found to be quite helpful for treatment of tendinopathy.
  • Massage therapy is also found to be quite beneficial.

Rehabilitation for Biceps Femoris Tendinopathy

Aims of Rehabilitation4

  • Reduction of pain and inflammation.
  • Stretching of the muscles to regain mobility and flexibility.
  • Muscle strengthening.
  • Gradual return to full activity.

Reducing Pain and Inflammation of Biceps Femoris Tendinopathy

Activities or exercises which have the potential to worsen the injury need to be avoided. The injury can be further aggravated if the affected individual works at a place where he has to stand for a prolonged period of time. Adequate rest period if imperative at least till a stage when the acute injury passes off. The acute stage of the injury is the first 48 hours of the injury. This stage may get prolonged with use of the injured tendon and inadequate rest. To know if the acute stage of the injury has passed, the patient needs to flex the knee and if there is no pain experienced then it signifies that the acute stage has passed.

  • Ice /cold therapy should be applied at least three times a day for approximately 20 minutes.
  • NSAID5 such as ibuprofen is useful for reduction of inflammation but it should be taken under the guidance of a physician. Asthmatic individuals should not use this drug.
  • If a knee support or a heat retainer is worn, it is extremely helpful. Heat should be used once the acute stage is over. For acute stage, only the cold therapy is recommended.

References:

Team PainAssist
Team PainAssist
Written, Edited or Reviewed By: Team PainAssist, Pain Assist Inc. This article does not provide medical advice. See disclaimer
Last Modified On:April 17, 2023

Recent Posts

Related Posts