Biceps tendon rupture

Biceps tendon rupture happens when 1 of the thick bands of tissue (called tendons) that attach the biceps muscle in your upper arm to the shoulder or elbow tears.

What is a biceps tendon rupture? {#overview}

What are the symptoms of a biceps tendon rupture? {#symptoms}

How is a torn biceps tendon treated? {#treatment}

## What is a biceps tendon rupture? {#overview}
A biceps tendon rupture is a tear in the strong cords of tissue (called tendons) that connect the muscles at the front of your upper arm (called biceps) to the bones in your shoulder and elbow.

## What are the symptoms of a biceps tendon rupture? {#symptoms}
When you tear your biceps tendon you may feel a sudden ‘pop’ either in your shoulder or at the front of your elbow. You may also have:

- bruising
- pain
- swelling
- arm weakness (trouble moving your arm)
- a bulging muscle in the middle of your upper arm (known as a ‘popeye’ deformity) 

You may also have shoulder pain for a while before your other symptoms appear. 

Occasionally this pain gets better after the tendon tears. 


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## How is a torn biceps tendon treated? {#treatment}
If you think you’ve torn your biceps tendon, go to a hospital or see a doctor immediately. There are a few things you can do to help your symptoms while waiting to see a doctor. These include:

- taking [painkillers](/health-library/treatments/pain-whichpainkiller) or [anti-inflammatorie](/health-library/drugs/anti-inflammatories-non-steroidal)[s](https://www.livehealthily.com/painkillers/anti-inflammatories-non-steroidal) to help with the pain and swelling
- applying ice to the area that hurts
- using a compression bandage
- resting your arm and stopping activities that are painful

Medical treatment may also include:

- physiotherapy
- a painkiller or steroid injection into the tendon

In some cases, you may need surgery, but this is more likely if you’ve torn your biceps tendon near your elbow.


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References

Dr Adiele Hoffman

Dr Lauretta Ihonor

Dr Ann Nainan

Article information

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A biceps tendon rupture is a tear in the tendon that connects your upper arm muscles to your shoulder and elbow. It’s also known as a torn biceps tendon. Find out its symptoms and how it’s treated.