A descriptive model is presented for the critical current of a Bi-2212 conductor that is axially deformed. This model is based on previously published critical current measurements on axially compressed and elongated Bi-2212 wires. The validity of the model is investigated bg applying an additional pre-strain at room temperature, The experimental results on the pre-strained wires are in reasonable agreement with the prediction. The description for the critical-current reduction in Bi-2212 is applied in a model for a bend conductor, This model predicts the critical current as a function of the bending radius in a Kirk and a tape conductor.