How do you prevent a torn bicep?

What are the chances of tearing a bicep?

Bicep tendon tears at the elbow are not common. They happen to approximately 3 to 5 people per 100,000 per year. They’re also less common in women.

What can cause a bicep tear?

Causes of a bicep tear or strain

• Constant overuse — sports that require repetitive movement on the bicep in the shoulder or elbow can cause a bicep tear or strain.
• Acute injury — moving or twisting your elbow in an unfamiliar way can cause a bicep tear or strain, for example, falling on an outstretched arm.

How long can you wait to repair a torn bicep?

It takes about 3 to 4 months for your biceps muscle to heal. You may be able to do easier daily activities in 2 to 3 weeks, as long as you don’t use your injured arm.

How do you treat a torn bicep?

Treatment

1. Ice. Apply cold packs for 20 minutes at a time, several times a day to keep down swelling. …
2. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications. Drugs like ibuprofen, aspirin, or naproxen reduce pain and swelling.
3. Rest. Avoid heavy lifting and overhead activities to relieve pain and limit swelling. …
4. Physical therapy.

Should you wrap a torn bicep?

I advise patients to avoid compression because it can be difficult to wrap the shoulder and if you wrap the elbow incorrectly, it can result in hand swelling.

Is distal bicep surgery worth it?

Surgeons seem to agree that the benefit of surgery is a little more supination strength, with flexion strength returning close to normal with or without surgery. An untreated rupture causes less deformity than with proximal biceps rupture. Surgery adds a scar and does not entirely prevent deformity.