A biceps tendon tear is an injury to the tough, fibrous tissues that connect your biceps muscle to the bones in your shoulder and elbow. These tears can either be partial, where the tendon is damaged but still attached, or complete, where the tendon completely detaches from the bone. There are two tendons that attach to the shoulder (long and short head) and one tendon that attaches at the elbow. This is why many patients can function normally after tearing the long head at the shoulder, but surgery is often recommended for a distal tear at the elbow. Treatment is crucial to address symptoms and regain full arm strength. If you have recently experienced a biceps tendon tear, our shoulder and total joint specialists at OrthoGeorgia are here to treat your injury with personalized care and get you on the road to recovery.
What are the Symptoms of a Biceps Tendon Tear?
The symptoms of a biceps tendon tear are usually immediate and unmistakable. Being able to recognize these symptoms is the best step towards seeking proper treatment. Common signs of a biceps tendon tear at the shoulder or elbow include:
Sudden, Sharp Pain: Severe pain in the upper arm or near the elbow, especially when lifting or pulling.
Audible Pop: You may hear or feel a “pop” at the time of the injury.
“Popeye” Deformity: When there is a complete tear at the shoulder, the detached biceps muscle can bunch up, creating a bulge in the upper arm that resembles the cartoon character Popeye.
Bruising and Swelling: You may notice bruising and tenderness in the upper arm down toward the elbow.
Weakness: Weakness and difficulty turning your hand palm up or palm down are very common.
While the initial pain of a biceps tendon tear may go away over time, leaving the tear untreated can lead to lasting consequences that affect the function of your arm. This can include weakness, arm fatigue during repetitive activities, chronic muscle pain, reduced endurance, and increased risk of future injury.
How are Biceps Tendon Tears Diagnosed?
At OrthoGA, we believe that an accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment. Since biceps tendon tears vary significantly in location and severity, our team of orthopedic specialists follows a comprehensive, step-by-step diagnostic process to ensure we fully understand the extent of your injury and can determine the best next steps. The diagnostic process for biceps tendon tears often involves:
A discussion of your medical history, symptoms, and recent activities.
A physical examination – for biceps tendon tears, the diagnosis is often obvious because of the Popeye deformity.
X-raysto look for other potential causes of shoulder and elbow pain.
MRI scans, which show both partial and complete tears. This definitive test is helpful in assessing a partial tear, as this injury can be harder to diagnose. MRI scans are available at our offices in Macon and Warner Robins – we are the only dedicated orthopedic practice in Georgia to offer GE’s exclusive AIR Coil technology, offering more comfortable and higher-quality imaging.
Treatment for Biceps Tendon Tears at OrthoGeorgia
At OrthoGeorgia, our fellowship-trained orthopedic specialists take a personalized approach to biceps tendon tear treatment, as every patient’s injury and goals are unique. Whether you have a partial or complete tear at the shoulder or elbow, we offer various treatment options, from conservative management to advanced surgical repair.
Nonsurgical Treatment Options for Biceps Tendon Tears in Central GA
For many patients, particularly those with partial tears or complete tears of the long head tendon at the shoulder, nonsurgical treatment is highly effective and often all that is needed. Nonsurgical options focus on pain reduction, inflammation management, and strength and mobility restoration through guided rehabilitation. Some common nonsurgical treatments for biceps tendon tears include:
Activity modification and the RICE protocol (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation)
Anti-inflammatory medications to reduce pain and swelling
Our patients have convenient access to a wide range of physical therapy and rehab services in Macon, Warner Robins, and Kathleen, GA. Our therapists will collaborate with your orthopedic specialist to keep care continuous at every stage.
Corticosteroid injections
Will I Need Surgery for a Biceps Tendon Tear?
Surgery for a biceps tendon tear is not always necessary, but it may be recommended in specific situations, especially for complete tears that actively impede your strength, function, and quality of life. Your OrthoGeorgia surgeon will carefully assess your injury, lifestyle, and recovery goals to determine whether surgery is needed. Surgery is usually recommended when:
There is a complete tear that involves the distal biceps tendon at the elbow.
Nonsurgical treatments do not provide adequate relief.
You have a complete proximal tear at the shoulder (surgery recommended if you are an athlete or someone who does heavy manual labor).
Other associated injuries are present – bicep tendon tears often occur alongside other shoulder injuries, like rotator cuff tears or labral (SLAP) tears. In this case, surgery may be necessary to treat all aspects of the injury.
Other Orthopedic Sports Injuries and Conditions We Treat at OrthoGeorgia
At OrthoGeorgia, we understand that sports injuries can be frustrating to anyone, from competitive athletes to weekend warriors. Our sports medicine specialists are dedicated to helping patients throughout Central Georgia overcome orthopedic issues and return to the activities they love. We provide care for a wide range of sports-related injuries and orthopedic conditions, including:
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