Why tendons rupture

Rupture of the long head of the biceps tendon is usually a sequela of a rotator cuff rupture and the resulting loss of protective cover.

Isolated ruptures of the long head of the biceps tendon are much rarer. They tend to occur in middle-aged patients and are usually the result of a relatively minor trauma. There is no absolute indication for surgical intervention for a ruptured long head of the biceps tendon. Surgical repair is essential in the case of rupture of the distal biceps tendon. In-person and virtual physician appointments. Book online. Urgent Ortho Care.

Same-day in-person or virtual appointments. Get care. Treating Physicians. See All Conditions. To diagnose a tendon injury also known as tendinopathy , your doctor will review your medical history and daily activities and conduct a physical exam to check your overall health, areas of pain and tenderness, and range of motion and strength. Your exam may also include checking your nerve function feeling and reflexes and blood circulation pulses.

If your symptoms are related to use of a tool or sports equipment, your doctor may want you to demonstrate how you use it. If your medical history and physical exam point to a tendon injury, you will probably not need more testing. If your symptoms are severe or have not improved with treatment, more tests may be helpful.

These may include:. Initial treatment for a tendon injury tendinopathy typically includes rest and pain relievers. Acetaminophen can reduce pain. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs NSAIDs can reduce both the pain and inflammation you might have from a tendon injury.

The goals of this early treatment are to:. If you are still having pain, stiffness, and weakness after initial treatment, your doctor may recommend some type of physical therapy.

Also, you may need to make long-term changes in the type of activities you do or how you do them to prevent your tendinopathy from returning. The goals of ongoing treatment are to:. Medical researchers continue to study new ways to treat tendon injuries. Talk to your doctor if you are interested in experimental treatments. Some of the treatments being studied include:. Arthroscopic surgery or open surgery using one larger incision is sometimes used to treat calcific tendinitis that has not responded to nonsurgical treatment and is causing pain.

You can help prevent a tendon injury also known as tendinopathy from developing or recurring by taking steps at home, work, and during activities to promote healing and protect your tendons.

Blahd Jr. Author: Healthwise Staff. Medical Review: William H. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information.

Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content. To learn more about Healthwise, visit Healthwise. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. Updated visitor guidelines. You are here Home » Tendon Injury Tendinopathy. Top of the page. Topic Overview Is this topic for you? Pain may increase with activity. Symptoms of tendon injury may affect the precise area where the injured tendon is located or may radiate out from the joint area, unlike arthritis pain, which tends to be confined to the joint.

Crepitus, or a crunchy sound or feeling when the tendon is used. This is usually uncomfortable or painful. Pain and stiffness that may be worse during the night or when getting up in the morning.

Stiffness in the joint near the affected area. Movement or mild exercise of the joint usually reduces the stiffness.

But a tendon injury typically gets worse if the affected tendon is not allowed to rest and heal. Too much movement may make existing symptoms worse or bring the pain and stiffness back. Exams and Tests To diagnose a tendon injury also known as tendinopathy , your doctor will review your medical history and daily activities and conduct a physical exam to check your overall health, areas of pain and tenderness, and range of motion and strength. These may include: X-rays , which can show any bone-related problems or calcification in tendons or joint structures.

MRI magnetic resonance imaging , which can show small tears and areas of tendon, ligament , cartilage , and muscle injury.

Ultrasound , which can show thickening, swelling, or tears in soft tissues such as the bursae and tendons. Treatment Overview Initial treatment for a tendon injury tendinopathy typically includes rest and pain relievers.

The goals of this early treatment are to: Reduce pain and inflammation of the tendon. Restore normal motion and strength. The goals of ongoing treatment are to: Reduce pain. Avoid further degeneration or tearing of the tendon.

Encourage regeneration of the damaged tendon. Treatment for tendinopathies Take the following steps to treat tendinopathies: Rest the affected area, and avoid any activity that may cause pain. Get enough sleep. To keep your overall health and fitness, continue exercising but only in ways that do not stress the affected area. Do not resume an aggravating activity as soon as the pain stops. Tendons require weeks of additional rest to heal. You may need to make long-term changes in the types of activities you do or how you do them.

Apply ice or cold packs as soon as you notice pain and tenderness in your muscles or near a joint. Apply ice 10 to 15 minutes at a time, as often as twice an hour, for 72 hours.