Biceps Tendon Injuries Treatment in Gallatin and Nashville TN
If the tendon is injured in the upper arm or near the elbow, the most noticeable sign will be an unexpected, excruciating pain. If your healthcare provider determines a minor biceps tendon injury, self-care with rest, ice, and over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications will alleviate your discomfort. If the injury to your biceps tendon is serious, our orthopedic surgeon Dr. Thomas Gautsch MD, FACS, FAAO, and his medical staff at Southern Sports Medicine Institute create an individual course of action for recovering your tendon. For more information, contact us or schedule an appointment online. We have convenient locations to serve you in Gallatin TN and Nashville TN.
Table of Contents:
What are biceps tendon injuries?
What signs and symptoms do biceps tendon injuries cause?
How much time does a bicep tendon strain take to heal?
What happens if a bicep tendon tear is left untreated?
The muscles located at the front of your upper arms are known as the biceps. The biceps are attached to the bones with three tendons. Two of these tendons, known as the “long head” and “short head,” attach the bicep to the scapula bone of the shoulder. The distal bicep tendon attaches the other side of the muscle to a part of the radial bone.
When these tendons experience overuse, a condition known as bicep tendonitis occurs. This condition can affect you at the elbow, the shoulder, or both places at once. Furthermore, in cases of severe or constant overuse, bicep tendons can fray and tear. Bicep tendon tears can happen due to a sports injury, awkwardly twisting your arm, or falling on an outstretched arm.
The most glaring symptom of a bicep tendon injury is sudden and severe pain in your elbow or upper arm. If you sustain an injury, you may have felt or heard your tendon “pop.”
In addition, the signs and symptoms to look out for include:
– Weakness in your shoulder, elbow, or arm.
– Bruising around the bicep.
– Inflammation around the injury.
– Difficulty rotating the arm or turning the palms.
– Swelling around the bicep.
– Chronic fatigue and pain in the arm.
– A sudden change in the contour of the bicep, such as a bulge or indentation.
The symptoms you experience will depend on the type of bicep tendon injury you sustained:
– Grade 1: This is the mildest type of bicep tendon injury, and it doesn’t usually result in a significant loss of strength or mobility.
– Grade 2: With a grade 2 bicep tendon injury, moderate tearing has occurred, causing a noticeable loss of arm strength and mobility.
– Grade 3: When a complete rupture in a bicep tendon has occurred, it is known as a grade 3 tear. This type of injury may require surgery to repair.
Overall, you may experience various signs and symptoms, depending on the severity and nature of your bicep tendon injury. If you experience any concerning symptoms, you should see a specialist for an evaluation as promptly as possible.
The length of time it will take you to recover from a bicep tendon strain depends on the severity of your injury and the treatment approach. In the majority of cases, it takes around two to three months of rest, physical therapy, and medication to heal a bicep tendon injury.
If the injury is severe, you will need surgery to repair the damage. In these cases, recovery usually takes between four and six months and involves rest, regular monitoring by a medical professional, and physical therapy.
Once your injury is assessed by a specialist, they will outline the treatment plan and provide you with an estimated timeline for your recovery. To ensure you heal as quickly as possible, it’s important to carefully adhere to the treatment plan.
If a bicep tear is left untreated, the injury can progress and severely affect your range of motion and quality of life. Untreated bicep tendon tears result in permanent discomfort, weakness, and fatigue in the injured arm. The discomfort can interfere with daily activities and disrupt your sleep.
Furthermore, engaging your arm muscles less due to these complications can lead to muscle atrophy, meaning the bicep region may shrink and become even weaker and less functional. This can also result in joint instability and increase the risk of subsequent injuries, such as shoulder dislocations.
In summary, leaving a bicep tendon tear untreated can result in a cascade of complications, affecting not only the injured arm but also causing widespread repercussions throughout the musculoskeletal system. That’s why it’s so important to seek treatment as soon as you notice signs or symptoms of a bicep tendon tear.
Biceps tendon injury treatment is available at Southern Sports Medicine Institute. For more information, contact us or schedule an appointment online. We have convenient locations to serve you in Gallatin TN and Nashville TN. We serve patients from Gallatin TN, Nashville TN, Portland TN, Hendersonville TN, Lafayette TN, Castalian Springs TN, Westmoreland TN, Hartsville TN, Cottontown TN, Old Hickory TN, Goodlettsville TN, Springfield TN, Red Boiling Springs TN, White House TN, Lebanon TN, Greenbrier TN, Bowling Green KY, Bethpage TN, Lavergne TN, Franklin TN, Hermitage TN and Mount Juliet TN.
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