Tendon Tear Treatment
Bicep tendon tear at the shoulder happens because of overuse or an abrupt injury. The tendon may tear entirely or partially depending on the injury. Most people live out their lives with a bicep tendon tear without getting a surgery. However, the tear does cause a person to lose some mobility and strength in their shoulder.
The loss is not big enough to make any difference in your day-to-day activities. But, you may need a surgery if you want to regain strength and full mobility in your shoulder. Bicep tendon tear recovery can be a long process. However, you can always return to your daily activities.
Thomas & Bigler Knee and Shoulder Institute, led by board certified orthopedic surgeons Dr. Steven C. Thomas and Dr. Gregory T. Bigler, provides orthopedic surgery to patients in Las Vegas, Nevada, while also serving areas such as greater Pahrump, Bullhead City, Lake Havasu, and Mesquite, NV.
Symptoms of Biceps Tendon Tear
These are a few common symptoms associated with the injury:
- Tenderness or pain in the elbow or shoulder
- Bicep cramps when used strenuously
- Bruising down to the elbow from the upper arm
- Sharp and sudden pain in the upper arm
- Weakness in the elbow and shoulder
- Difficulty turning the arm
- Audible snap or pop in the shoulder
Torn tendons can lose the ability to keep bicep muscles tight. A dent near the shoulder and a bulge in the upper arm may appear.
Overview of the Treatment
A majority of people are able to function with tendon tears in their biceps after getting simple, non-surgical treatments. However, if symptoms don’t alleviate, they may require other invasive treatments to recover strength and mobility in the shoulder.
Non-Surgical Option
Over time, the pain from biceps tendon tear goes away for most people. There are several things people can do to reduce this time:
- Rest: You should avoid overhead activities and heavy lifting that may increase swelling. Your doctor may recommend wearing a sling as well to shorten the recovery period.
- Ice: Swelling can be controlled by applying ice packs several times a day for 20 minutes. Do not apply the pack directly to your skin.
- Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Medications: Motrin and Advil are standout for reducing pain and swelling.
- Physical Therapy: Strengthening and flexibility exercises help in restoring movement.
Surgical Options
You may not require surgical treatments for healing your biceps tendon tear. Surgery is generally required by people who need complete recovery of strength or develop muscle cramping. There are several new and advanced procedures for repairing the tendon with minimally invasive incisions.
The procedures, in general, consist of re-anchoring the injured tendon to the bone. Your options will be discussed in detail with you by your orthopedic surgeon.
The surgeon may put your shoulder in a sling after the surgery to immobilize it. They will also start physical therapy soon after. You can improve your range of motion with flexibility and strengthening exercises. Recovery may be slow in the beginning. But, you will soon regain complete movement.
Orthopedic surgeons Dr. Thomas and Dr. Bigler receive patients from Las Vegas, Nevada as well as greater Pahrump, Bullhead City, Lake Havasu, and Mesquite, NV for orthopedic surgery.
Contact Board Certified Surgeons Dr. Bigler or Dr. Thomas at the Knee and Shoulder Institute in Las Vegas, NV to Schedule an Appointment:
If you would like to schedule an appointment or learn more about the Knee and Shoulder Institute procedures & treatments performed by Las Vegas, Nevada board-certified surgeons Steven C. Thomas, MD and Gregory T. Bigler, MD. Contact the office today click here.
Serving patients from and around greater Las Vegas, Lake Havasu, Bullhead City, Mesquite, Pahrump, Nevada