If you hear an audible pop or snap during heavy lifting, followed by sharp pain in the front of your elbow, you may have a biceps tendon tear or tendon rupture. The biceps muscle is known for making your arm strong, but the tendons that connect it to the bone are equally important for proper arm function—and they are vulnerable to injury. Knowing how these tears occur and recognizing the symptoms will help you get quick medical care and start your recovery.
At Summit Orthopedics, our expert orthopedic specialists in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area provide personalized care for biceps tendon tears. Whether through conservative treatments or surgery, our team is dedicated to restoring your arm’s strength and function so you can return to the activities you love.
What Is a Biceps Tendon Tear?
The biceps muscle connects to your shoulder by two tendons and to your forearm by one at the elbow. Together, these tendons help you to bend your elbow, rotate your forearm and lift your arm over your head. When these tendons get damaged from wear, tear or sudden force, a tear can occur—commonly at the shoulder (proximal tear) or less commonly at the elbow (distal tear). The location of the injury influences symptoms and your treatment options.
Types of Biceps Tendon Tears
Biceps tendon injuries can be very different, ranging from small snags to a full break. Knowing the type of tear helps us decide the best way to treat you.
Partial tears mean only some of the tendon’s soft tissue is damaged. This may happen slowly from repeatedly performing the same motion or from a sudden injury, such as tearing the tendon while lifting something heavy. You may feel pain or weakness, but the arm can still look normal.
Complete tears happen when the tendon rips entirely away from the bone.
- Complete tears near the shoulder are common and often cause what looks like a “Popeye” bulge—which is the biceps muscle sliding down and bunching up near your elbow.
- Complete tears near the elbow happen where the tendon connects to the radius bone in your forearm. These are less common but usually need fast surgery because they greatly reduce the strength and function of your arm.
Signs of a Torn Biceps Tendon
A sudden snap or pop during activities like lifting or an accident is a common sign of a biceps tendon tear. You will usually feel sharp pain and have swelling near the front of arm near your elbow. The pain might get a little better after the injury, or it could persist. You may find it harder to bend your elbow or turn your palm up, making everyday tasks tough. If the tendon tears completely, the muscle might pull back, causing a noticeable bulge in your upper arm. You might also see bruising or swelling around the injured area.
Can a Torn Biceps Tendon Heal on Its Own?
The body heals differently depending on whether the tear is partial or complete and where it happens on the tendon. Identifying the injury early and getting the right treatment are important for a good recovery.
- Partial tears, especially near the shoulder, often get better with nonsurgical treatment.
- Complete tears at the shoulder may not fully heal, but the arm usually keeps most of its strength.
- Tears at the elbow (called distal tears) usually do not heal on their own and often need surgery soon to fix the problem and restore arm function.
When to Seek Emergency Care
You may not need a trip to the emergency room for a bicep tendon tear. However, if you experience severe, unrelenting pain, significant weakness that limits arm use, seek immediate medical attention. Otherwise, scheduling an orthopedic evaluation within a few days is recommended so you can begin treatment.
Treatment Options for Biceps Tendon Tears
Treatment plans are based on how bad your injury is and your lifestyle goals:
- Conservative care includes rest, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen, and guided physical therapy to reduce pain, maintain movement and strengthen supporting muscles.
- Cold therapy (ice packs) for 20 minutes at a time, a few times a day during the first 48–72 hours, can help reduce pain and swelling. Afterward, applying heat can help relax muscles and improve flexibility.
- Physical therapy is key—whether you have surgery or not—to safely rebuild strength and flexibility.
- Surgery to repair the torn tendon is often suggested for complete tears near the elbow and some tears near the shoulder, especially for active people. Surgery gives the best chance to get back full strength and movement when other treatments don’t work.
Reducing Your Risk
Age, previous shoulder injuries, smoking, corticosteroid use, repetitive overhead movement and sudden activity spikes are all tendon tear risk factors. Prevent injury by warming up properly, gradually increasing intensity and listening to your body. You should also avoid heavy lifting if shoulder pain develops.
Care for Biceps Tendon Tears at Summit Orthopedics
If you suspect a biceps tendon tear or experience persistent arm pain or weakness, don’t delay seeking expert evaluation. Early and personalized treatment from orthopedic specialists not only optimizes healing but also minimizes the risk of long-term weakness or complications. With the right care, you can regain strength, restore full function and get back to living an active, pain-free life with confidence.
Summit Orthopedics surgeons are available at nearly 30 convenient locations across the Minneapolis/St. Paul metro area, serving Minnesota and western Wisconsin. Our state-of-the-art, comprehensive orthopedic centers offer same-day appointments from a team of experts who offer the full scope of orthopedic care.
Find your Summit Orthopedics tendon tear expert, request an appointment or call us at (651) 968-5201 to schedule a consultation.
