What Are the Symptoms of a Torn Tendon?

A torn tendon, which normally arises as the result of an athletic injury or accident, generally produces significant, and often times severe, physical symptoms and range of motion abnormalities.

Pain

• Pain is the most obvious symptom of a torn tendon. Localized pain occurring at the site of tendon rupture is present in almost all cases. Severe tendon tears generally produce severe pain.

Swelling

• Normally, swelling occurs at the site of a tendon tear as well as in the soft tissues in the immediate vicinity. Severe tendon tears generally produce severe swelling.

Popping

• It is common to hear a popping sound when a tendon tears, especially in cases where a tendon tears completely.

Joint Restriction

• A tendon tear normally results in restricted joint movement, sometimes severe, of the joint in close proximity to the torn tendon.

Knot Formation

• The individual fibers of a torn tendon oftentimes spasm and, along with localized soft tissue inflammation, produce a knot, or bump, that can be felt directly under the skin at the site of the tendon injury.