Soreness, Swelling Below Armpit. Did Too Many Pull-ups. Did I Tear A Tendon?

Posted on Wed, 24 Apr 2013

Question: I did too many pullups at the gym. The results afterwardwas I noticed a soreness and swelling below my armpit/front lat. I have no pain when I do day to day task and even when I workout. Although I've stop working out my back. Did I tear a tendon or is it just a pull? It feels like there's a ball of fluid in there. Any suggestions???

Thank you in advance.

Answered by Dr. Rahul D Chaudhari (1 hour later)

Welcome to XXXXXXX
Definitely muscle pull could be a reason. However the swelling you discribed may be due to bicep tendon rupture. I would suggest to consult an orthopedic doctor and get examined your shoulder and arm as clinically we can diagnose that problem. If needed MRI shoulder may be required. Thanks.

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

Follow up: Dr. Rahul D Chaudhari (40 minutes later)

My bicep is fine. The area of concern is in the armpit area above the oblique. Could it just be a pull with a knot? There is little pain.

Answered by Dr. Rahul D Chaudhari (1 hour later)

Bicep had two heads and one goes through shoulder joint and with sudden exertion it can rupture. Do you feel any swelling in upper arm on flexing the elbow? Other possibility is pectoralis muscle pull. These things can be assessed on clinical exam. please start anti inflammatory medicine which will help. Thanks.

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