Triceps injuries, including acute muscle injuries and chronic tendonitis, can cause pain and limited range of motion in the arm. Rest, ice, and medication can help relieve symptoms, but serious injuries may require surgery and physical therapy. Overuse injuries are common in people who perform repetitive arm movements. Immobilizing the arm and seeking medical attention is important for severe tears.
The triceps muscles in the upper arms help coordinate and strengthen the movement of the arms. They are heavily involved in actions where the elbow is lifted or extended, such as swinging a hammer or throwing a ball. Even a minor triceps injury can cause serious disruption in daily activities. The two most common types of triceps injury are acute muscle injuries and chronic tendonitis, both of which can become debilitating if not treated properly. Most injuries can be managed at home with rest, ice, and light exercise, but a painful triceps injury typically needs to be examined and treated by a doctor to prevent complications.
Pain and slight swelling in the back of the arm is usually the result of an overuse injury. People who perform repetitive arm movements at work or during exercise are at risk of straining the tendons that support the triceps. Tendonitis usually gets worse over time, especially if a person continues to try to maintain their normal amount of activity. Weakness in the arm and limited range of motion in the shoulder and elbow ultimately make it very difficult to bear weight.
Triceps tendonitis can usually be relieved by resting the arm for several days, using ice packs, and taking over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications. Tendons and muscle fibers generally heal quickly when given time to rest. Once the arm begins to feel better, a person can do light stretching exercises to rebuild flexibility and strength. Bandages and braces are available at most pharmacies to provide extra support and protection for your elbow when you return to activity.
A triceps injury can also occur if the arm is suddenly subjected to a great deal of force. Trying to lift heavy weights, tumbling awkwardly onto your arm, and overstretching to reach an object can all result in a triceps muscle or tendon tear. Most tears cause immediate, debilitating pain and swelling. It’s important to try to immobilize an injured arm until a doctor can inspect the injury.
In a doctor’s office or emergency room, a doctor can provide pain medication and take scans of images of your arm. If a tear is discovered, your doctor may consider a few different treatment options. Relatively small tears can heal with several weeks of rest and medication. A serious triceps injury, however, often requires surgery to prevent long-term problems. If surgery is required, a patient can expect to spend one to six months in physical therapy to regain full strength and range of motion.
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