Triceps Tendon Injury

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KEY POINTS

• A triceps tendon injury is a problem with the tendon that connects the muscle at the back of your upper arm to the bony bump at the back of your elbow.
• You will need to change or stop doing the activities that cause pain until the tendon has healed.
• Treatment may include wearing a strap, doing stretching and strengthening exercises, medicine, or surgery.
• Warm-up exercises and stretching before activities can help prevent injuries.

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What is a triceps tendon injury?

A triceps tendon injury is a problem with the tendon that connects the muscle at the back of your upper arm to the bony bump at the back of your elbow. Tendons are strong bands of tissue that attach muscle to bone. You use this tendon to straighten your arm after you bend it.

Tendons can be injured suddenly or they may be slowly damaged over time. You can have tiny or partial tears in your tendon. If you have a complete tear of your tendon, it is called a rupture. Other tendon injuries may be called a strain, tendinosis, or tendinitis.

What is the cause?

Triceps injuries can be caused by:

Overuse of the tendon from a sport or work activity that involves your upper arm and elbow, such as throwing and hammering

A sudden activity that twists or tears your tendon, such as falling on an outstretched arm or having your bent arm suddenly pulled straight

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms may include:

• Pain and swelling in the back part of your upper arm near the point of your elbow
• Pain when you straighten your elbow or fully bend your elbow

Although it is rare for the triceps tendon to be completely torn, if this does happen, you may feel a pop at the time of the injury and you may have a large bulge on your upper arm. You may not be able to straighten or turn your arm.

How is it diagnosed?

Your healthcare provider will examine you and ask about your symptoms, activities, and medical history. Tests may include:

• X-rays
• MRI, which uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves to show detailed pictures of your arm

How is it treated?

You will need to change or stop doing the activities that cause pain until the tendon has healed.

Your healthcare provider may recommend stretching and strengthening exercises to help you heal.

It may help to put a strap around the lower part of your upper arm during activities that cause discomfort.

If you keep having pain, your provider may give you a shot of a steroid medicine. If your tendon is torn, you may need surgery to repair the tendon.

The pain often gets better within a few weeks with self-care, but some injuries may take several months or longer to heal. It’s important to follow all of your healthcare provider’s instructions.

How can I take care of myself?

To help relieve swelling and pain:

• Put an ice pack, gel pack, or package of frozen vegetables wrapped in a cloth, on the area every 3 to 4 hours for up to 20 minutes at a time.
• Do ice massage. To do this, first freeze water in a Styrofoam cup, then peel the top of the cup away to expose the ice. Hold the bottom of the cup and rub the ice over your tendon for 5 to 10 minutes. Do this several times a day while you have pain.
• Take nonprescription pain medicine, such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or naproxen. Read the label and take as directed. Unless recommended by your healthcare provider, you should not take these medicines for more than 10 days.
  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, naproxen, and aspirin, may cause stomach bleeding and other problems. These risks increase with age.
  • Acetaminophen may cause liver damage or other problems. Unless recommended by your provider, don't take more than 3000 milligrams (mg) in 24 hours. To make sure you don’t take too much, check other medicines you take to see if they also contain acetaminophen. Ask your provider if you need to avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medicine.

Moist heat may help relax your muscles and make it easier to move your arm. Put moist heat on the injured area for 10 to 15 minutes at a time before you do warm-up and stretching exercises. Moist heat includes heat patches or moist heating pads that you can purchase at most drugstores, a wet washcloth or towel that has been heated in the dryer, or a hot shower. Don’t use heat if you have swelling.

Follow your healthcare provider's instructions, including any exercises recommended by your provider. Ask your provider:

• How and when you will get your test results
• How long it will take to recover
• If there are activities you should avoid, including how much you can lift, and when you can return to your normal activities
• How to take care of yourself at home
• What symptoms or problems you should watch for and what to do if you have them

Make sure you know when you should come back for a checkup. Keep all appointments for provider visits or tests.

How can I help prevent a triceps tendon injury?

Warm-up exercises and stretching before activities can help prevent injuries. If your arm hurts after exercise, putting ice on it may help keep it from getting injured.

Follow safety rules and use any protective equipment recommended for your work or sport.

Avoid activities that cause pain. For example, avoid racquet sports, weight lifting, or throwing sports if they cause pain in the back of your arm.