Triceps Tendonitis

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Triceps Tendonitis

What is Triceps Tendonitis?

Tendonitis is inflammation of the tendons, inflammation of the tissue that attaches a muscle to a bone. Your triceps muscle, which acts to straighten your arm, is attached to the bony bump at the back of your elbow by a large tendon. Triceps tendonitis causes pain in the back part of the upper arm near the point of your elbow.

How does Triceps Tendonitis occur?

The triceps muscle is the one at the back of the upper arm. It inserts into the back of the elbow. If you fall onto your hands you can rupture this tendon. If you over-do the weights or try to push something which is too heavy you can rupture the tendon or swelling can come over that area through over use.

Symptoms of Triceps Tendonitis:

• Pain when you straighten your elbow or fully bend your elbow.
• Swelling near the point of the elbow.
• Pain when you try to push something heavy.

Treatment of Triceps Tendonitis:

• Rest at least 2-days and apply R.I.C.E.treatement (Rest , Ice , Compression , Elevation ).
• Your doctor may prescribe some anti-inflammatory medication such as ibuprofen.
• Wear a strap to wear around the lower part of your triceps during sports or activities that cause discomfort.
• See a sports injury professional for advice on treatment and rehabilitation.

When can I return to my sport or activity?

The goal of any rehabilitation program is to return you to your sport or activity as soon and as safely as possible. But, if you return too soon you may worsen your injury, which could lead to permanent damage. Everyone recovers from injury at a different rate. Returning to your activity will be determined by your recovering ability, the sooner your arm recovers, the soon you can return to your sport or activity. Returning to your sport or activity not determined by how many days or weeks have passed since your injury had occurred. In general, the longer you have symptoms of the injury, the longer it will take you to get better.

You may return to your sport or activity when each of the following is true:

• You no longer have tenderness or swelling at your triceps muscle or tendon.
• You have regained strength in your arms as it was there before the injury had occurred.
• You have full range of motion in your arm without any pain.
• You can lift weights without any pain in your arm.

Prevention of Triceps Tendonitis:

The best way to prevent triceps tendonitis is to avoid overuse of your upper arm and elbow. It is important to recognize early symptoms so you do not make your injury worse by over doing the activity.

What can a sports injury specialist or doctor do?

• Use ultrasound or laser treatment.
• X-ray the elbow.
• Prescribe anti-inflammatory medication.
• Prescribe some exercises to do 3-4 times a day.