Tricep tendonitis is inflammation or irritation of the triceps tendon, the thick band of tissue connecting the triceps muscle to the elbow joint. It is primarily an overuse injury resulting from repetitive strain that causes micro-trauma to the tendon fibers. This injury is frequently seen in athletes involved in overhead or pushing movements, but it can affect any individual who performs repetitive arm extensions. The condition causes discomfort and limits the ability to straighten the arm, making it a common source of posterior elbow pain.
Anatomy and Role of the Triceps Tendon
The triceps brachii muscle is located on the back of the upper arm and has three distinct heads: the long, lateral, and medial heads. These three muscle bellies converge to form a single tendon near the elbow joint. The primary attachment point for this tendon is the olecranon process, the prominent bony tip of the elbow formed by the ulna forearm bone.
The triceps muscle is the sole muscle in the posterior compartment of the arm. Its main purpose is to extend the elbow joint, which involves straightening the arm, such as when pushing or throwing. The long head of the triceps also assists in stabilizing the shoulder joint because it originates from the shoulder blade.
Specific Pain Locations and Associated Symptoms
The pain from tricep tendonitis is most intensely felt at the posterior, or back, of the elbow, precisely where the triceps tendon inserts onto the olecranon process. This localized pain is often described as a deep ache that can radiate slightly into the lower triceps muscle or down into the forearm. Tenderness is common, and pressing directly on the tendon insertion point reproduces the discomfort.
The pain varies, presenting as a dull ache at rest that intensifies during activity. Movements requiring arm extension against resistance, such as pushing up from a chair or performing an overhead press, significantly aggravate the symptoms. Patients may also notice stiffness in the elbow, especially after rest, and sometimes mild swelling or reduced strength during extension is present.
Primary Causes and Risk Factors
Tricep tendonitis develops from repetitive micro-trauma, where the tendon sustains small tears faster than the body can repair them. This leads to inflammation and degeneration, often resulting from chronic overuse or a sudden increase in activity intensity or volume. The repetitive tension stresses the tendon fibers, causing structural breakdown at the insertion site.
A number of activities increase the risk of developing this condition. Weightlifting, particularly exercises like the bench press, triceps extensions, and dips, places high force on the tendon and is a common cause. Throwing sports, such as baseball or javelin, also involve repeated, forceful elbow extension. Poor exercise technique, insufficient warm-up, or muscle imbalances can predispose an individual to injury.
Initial Management and Medical Consultation
Immediate management focuses on reducing pain and preventing further irritation to the tendon. Initial steps involve resting the affected arm by avoiding activities that cause discomfort or strain the triceps. Applying ice to the painful area on the back of the elbow for 15 to 20 minutes several times a day helps alleviate pain and swelling.
Over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen or naproxen, can manage pain and local inflammation. A compression bandage around the elbow may offer support and reduce swelling, but it should not restrict circulation. Seek professional medical attention if the pain does not improve after two or three days of self-care. Severe swelling, an inability to move the elbow, or symptoms that worsen despite rest are warning signs requiring prompt consultation.