Bicep Tears and Tendon Injuries

A torn bicep can cause sudden pain, weakness, and bruising in the upper arm, making everyday movements difficult. The bicep tendon connects your bicep muscle to the bones in your shoulder and elbow, helping you bend and rotate your arm. When this tendon is torn—whether from injury, overuse, or sudden force—it can limit your ability to lift, twist, or perform normal activities.

Types of Bicep Tendon Tears

There are two main areas where the tendon can tear:

• Proximal bicep tear: Occurs near the shoulder.

• Distal bicep tear: Happens near the elbow and may cause a noticeable bulge in the upper arm.

Some patients describe the feeling as a “pop” in the upper arm followed by pain or swelling.

Symptoms of a Torn Bicep Tendon

Common signs of a torn tendon in the upper arm include:

• Sharp pain or popping sensation

• Bruising and swelling

• Weakness when bending the elbow or rotating the wrist

• Visible deformity or change in arm shape

Treatment for Bicep Tendon Injuries

Treatment depends on the type of tear.

• Partial tears may improve with rest, ice, and physical therapy.
• Proximal bicep tear: Typically managed without surgery. These tears often involve the long head of the biceps tendon near the shoulder and can often be treated conservatively with rest, physical therapy, and activity modification.
• Distal bicep tear: Usually requires surgical repair. These occur near the elbow where the tendon attaches to the radius, and surgery helps restore full strength and function, especially for lifting and rotating the forearm.
  
  

At Orthopaedic Associates of Wisconsin, our specialists use advanced imaging and minimally invasive techniques to accurately diagnose and treat bicep tendon injuries. Whether surgical or nonsurgical, our goal is to help you regain strength and motion quickly and safely.

Get Expert Care for a Torn Bicep

If you think you’ve torn your bicep or injured a tendon in your upper arm, don’t wait to get evaluated. Early diagnosis can make recovery faster and more effective.
Request an appointment today with one of our orthopaedic specialists and start your recovery with confidence.