How to Treat Tendon Injuries in the Arm

A tendon is a fibrous tissue that attaches the muscle to bone. Although rare, a tendon rupture could be a serious problem, resulting in pain and permanent disability when left untreated. Tendon ruptures can take place in arms, legs, feet or anywhere where there has been an impact. An affected arm needs to be treated to restore functionality. You can treat the injury at home, then consult wth your doctor.

Instructions

Home Care

• 1

  Follow the standard RICE [Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation] home therapy while seeking medical help. Rest the affected area

• 2

  Apply Ice to the affected part gently, wrapping it in a towel or a plastic bag.

• 3

  Compress the affected area by loosely bandaging it with an ACE bandage to reduce swelling

• 4

  Elevate the area. It is recommended that the rupture in the biceps must be immobilized in a sling with the elbow bent at 90 degrees.

Medicine and Surgery

• 5

  Consider surgery if you are younger or middle-age. Physicians normally do not advise tendon surgery for older patients as the recovery process is lengthy and and the injury may not interfere with normal activity.

• 6

  Put your arm in a sling for a few days after surgery. It normally takes 12 weeks for a tendon injury to heal.

• 7

  Ask your doctor about special range-of-motion exercises as a first step in rehabilitation. These include rotator-cuff exercises, arm-strengthening excercises and lifting small weights to restore strength and functionality.