The triceps brachii is a large muscle on the back of the upper arm, known for its three heads: the long, lateral, and medial heads. Its primary role is to extend the forearm at the elbow joint, allowing for straightening of the arm. While often associated with strength and movement, pain in the triceps area is a common complaint that can arise from various underlying causes.
Common Muscular and Tendon Issues
Pain in the triceps frequently stems from direct issues with the muscle or its connecting tendons. A triceps strain involves a tear in the muscle fibers. These strains often result from sudden, forceful extension of the elbow, such as during heavy weightlifting, improper form in exercises like dips or push-ups, or unexpected trauma. Symptoms typically include immediate pain, which may be accompanied by a “popping” sensation, and tenderness at the back of the arm.
Triceps tendinitis is inflammation or degeneration of the triceps tendon. This condition usually develops near the elbow. Repetitive stress and overuse are primary causes, often seen in athletes involved in throwing sports, weightlifters, or individuals performing occupations requiring consistent arm extension. Pain from tendinitis often worsens with movement, particularly when extending the arm, and can include swelling, stiffness, and tenderness around the elbow.
Overuse injuries occur when repetitive activities continually strain the triceps without causing an acute tear. This persistent stress can lead to chronic pain, fatigue, and microtears that accumulate over time if the muscle is not given adequate rest for repair. Such injuries are common when individuals increase activity levels too quickly or engage in forceful, repetitive movements without proper recovery.
Muscle imbalances can also contribute to triceps pain. When the triceps are significantly weaker or stronger than opposing muscles, like the biceps, or surrounding shoulder muscles, it can alter biomechanics. This imbalance can place undue stress on the triceps during movements, potentially leading to strain or overuse injuries. Addressing these imbalances through targeted strengthening and stretching can help alleviate pain and prevent future occurrences.
Nerve Impingement and Neuropathy
Pain in the triceps area can also originate from nerve issues. Radial nerve entrapment occurs when the radial nerve, which controls the triceps, is compressed along its path. Compression can occur as it passes through certain muscles. This compression can lead to pain, numbness, or tingling in the triceps area, along with weakness in extending the arm, wrist, or fingers.
The ulnar nerve, though primarily affecting the forearm and hand, can sometimes contribute to triceps discomfort if entrapped near the elbow, a condition known as cubital tunnel syndrome. While the main symptoms are numbness and tingling in the ring and little fingers, severe or chronic ulnar nerve issues can manifest as a diffuse ache that extends into the triceps. In rare cases, the triceps muscle can compress the ulnar nerve, causing pain and neurological symptoms.
Cervical radiculopathy involves a pinched nerve in the neck, causing pain to radiate down the arm. If the C7 nerve root is affected, pain, numbness, or tingling can extend into the triceps region. This condition often includes neck pain and may be accompanied by weakness or altered sensation in the arm, distinguishing it from purely muscular issues. The pain may worsen with certain neck movements, indicating a spinal origin.
Referred Pain and Systemic Conditions
Sometimes, triceps pain is not a direct problem with the muscle itself but rather referred pain from other areas of the body. Problems within the shoulder joint, such as rotator cuff tears, shoulder impingement, or bursitis, can sometimes cause pain that feels like it originates in the triceps. This occurs due to shared nerve pathways or compensatory muscle use, where the triceps may be overworking to stabilize a compromised shoulder. The pain may not change with triceps movement but rather with shoulder movements.
Elbow joint issues can also mimic triceps pain. Conditions like osteoarthritis of the elbow can cause localized pain around the elbow that might be perceived as triceps discomfort. Olecranon bursitis, an inflammation of the bursa, also presents with pain and swelling at the back of the elbow, which can feel like triceps pain, especially with movement or direct pressure.
In very rare instances, triceps pain can be a symptom of broader systemic conditions. Fibromyalgia, a chronic disorder characterized by widespread pain, can include pain in the triceps as part of its generalized muscle tenderness. Infections or tumors, though exceedingly uncommon, can also manifest as localized pain in the arm. These systemic causes typically present with other widespread symptoms and necessitate a comprehensive medical diagnosis to differentiate them from more common musculoskeletal or nerve issues.
Indicators for Professional Consultation
While many instances of triceps pain can resolve with rest and self-care, certain signs indicate the need for professional medical evaluation:
Persistent pain that does not improve after a few days of rest or home remedies, or worsens despite limiting activities.
Severe or sudden pain, especially if accompanied by a “pop” or snapping sound, suggesting an acute injury like a tendon rupture.
Significant loss of strength, numbness, or tingling in the arm, hand, or fingers, or visible signs like swelling, redness, or deformity. These may indicate nerve involvement, severe muscle damage, infection, or structural injury.
Triceps pain accompanied by systemic symptoms such as fever, unexplained weight loss, or general malaise.