5 Common Tendon Tears 

Tendons are the fibrous tissues that connect muscles to bones, playing a vital role in facilitating movement and absorbing the forces we generate during daily activities. However, tendons are susceptible to injury, especially during overuse, trauma, or degeneration. Below, we explore five common tendon tears, their symptoms, and how they’re treated. 

Biceps Tendon Tear 

Overview: The biceps tendon attaches the biceps muscle to the shoulder and elbow. Tears can occur at either end, with the proximal (shoulder) tears being more common than distal (elbow) tears. 

Causes: 

• Overuse or heavy lifting 

• Traumatic injury during sports or falls 

• Degenerative changes from aging 

Symptoms: 

• Sudden pain or a “popping” sound during the tear 

• Weakness in arm movement 

• Noticeable bulge in the upper arm (commonly called a “Popeye” deformity) 

Treatment: Partial tears may be managed with rest and activity modification. Complete ruptures often require surgery, particularly for distal tears, to restore full arm function.  

Achilles Tendon Tear 

Overview: The Achilles tendon, the largest tendon in the body, connects the calf muscles to the heel bone. Tears often occur during sports that involve sudden acceleration, jumping, or pivoting. 

Causes: 

• Sudden increases in physical activity 

• Direct trauma or overstretching 

• Weak or tight calf muscles 

Symptoms: 

• Sudden, sharp pain at the back of the ankle 

• A popping or snapping sensation 

• Difficulty walking or rising on the toes 

Treatment: Non-surgical approaches include immobilization with a cast or boot. Surgical repair is often recommended for younger or more active individuals to regain full strength and mobility. 

Rotator Cuff Tear 

Overview: The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that stabilize the shoulder. Tears are common in athletes and older adults. 

Causes: 

• Repetitive overhead activities (e.g., throwing, swimming) 

• Traumatic injury from a fall 

• Age-related wear and tear 

Symptoms: 

• Shoulder pain and weakness 

• Limited range of motion 

• Difficulty lifting or rotating the arm 

Treatment: Partial tears may improve with rest and physical therapy, while complete tears often require arthroscopic surgery to reattach the tendon. 

Patellar Tendon Tear 

Overview: This tendon connects the kneecap to the shinbone and is crucial for straightening the knee. Tears are common in athletes involved in jumping sports. 

Causes: 

• Sudden landing from a jump 

• Direct trauma to the knee 

• Chronic tendonitis 

Symptoms: 

• Pain and swelling at the front of the knee 

• Inability to straighten the leg 

• A gap at the bottom of the kneecap 

Treatment: Minor tears may heal with rest and bracing, but complete tears require surgical repair to restore proper knee function. 

Flexor Tendon Tear 

Overview: Flexor tendons in the fingers and hands allow you to bend your fingers. Tears can result from lacerations, trauma, or sudden force. 

Causes: 

• Deep cuts or injuries 

• Overuse during repetitive gripping activities 

• Sports injuries 

Symptoms: 

• Inability to bend the finger(s) 

• Pain and swelling in the hand or wrist 

• A visible gap under the skin 

Treatment: Surgery is almost always necessary to repair the tendon and restore hand function. Early intervention improves outcomes significantly. 

Preventing Tendon Tears 

While not all tendon tears are preventable, you can reduce your risk by: 

• Warming up before exercise 

• Strengthening surrounding muscles 

• Avoiding sudden increases in activity intensity 

• Maintaining flexibility through regular stretching 

Recovery and Outlook 

The treatment and recovery process for tendon tears varies depending on the tendon affected and the severity of the injury. Whether you’re dealing with a minor tear or a complete rupture, early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for optimal healing. 

If you’re concerned about tendon injuries or have experienced symptoms of a tendon tear, reach out to the experts at ROC. Our team specializes in diagnosing and treating tendon injuries, helping you get back to your active lifestyle.