How to Treat a Bruised Bicep Tendon

Your bicep tendon, which has two attachment points in the shoulder area, works to help bend the elbow and rotate your forearm. Injury to your bicep tendon can result from trauma, repetitive motion and dislocation. A bruised bicep tendon will usually exhibit signs of swelling, pain and decreased mobility. Bruised bicep tendons can be treated in several, quite successful, ways.

Things You'll Need

• Ice
• Heating pad
• Anti-inflammatory medication
• Doctor appointment

Show More

Instructions

• 1

  Get some rest. Rest is an important part of treating most injuries. Rest will help your tendon heal and prevent further irritation and pain. If you can keep your affected bicep stable with a sling or compression bandage, swelling and pain that can result from movement of the tendon will be alleviated.

• 2

  Apply ice. Ice will help to reduce swelling and alleviate pain according to the Mayo Clinic. Reducing the swelling will help promote healing of the bicep tendon. Ice can be applied for 20 minutes at a time a few times a day. Some find heat also helps alleviate the pain associated with bruising of the bicep tendon.

• 3

  Take anti-inflammatory medication. Over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen and naproxen are usually successful in reducing inflammation and pain. Reducing inflammation will help to speed recovery time for a bruised bicep tendon.

• 4

  Speak to your doctor. Advise your doctor of any injury that results in bruising that doesn't improve, or worsens. Prescription cortisone shots and medication can help to relieve pain and can be a successful part of a bruised bicep tendon treatment program. For severe injuries, surgery may be recommended.