Triceps Tendon Inflammation and Rupture
While less common than a biceps tendon rupture, the triceps tendon - located at the back of the upper arm and inserting into the back of the elbow - can become inflamed and rupture when subjected to severe
stress such as that experienced while lifting heavy weights or pushing a very heavy object. It can also rupture when arms are used to break a fall.
Symptoms of triceps tendon inflammation or a rupture may include elbow pain at rest or during activity, painful swelling at the back of the elbow, and a reduction in elbow function.
Risk Factors
This type of injury is most likely to occur when an exercise or endeavor is approached overzealously, or without proper conditioning. Opposing muscles should retain the same
amount of strength. If the biceps muscles are much larger and worked for strenuously than the triceps muscles, the triceps muscles and surrounding tissue become increasingly vulnerable.
Treatment
A thorough examination of the triceps muscle and arm in motion will help confirm diagnosis and determine the best treatment option. Those patients with a history of elbow pain
may require imaging scans, in order to assess the condition of the elbow joint and surrounding tissue.
Conservative treatment has proven successful in treating triceps tendon inflammation or ruptures and may entail cold compression to reduce swelling, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and a
period of rest. A rehabilitative program specific to the injury will also be indicated a play a large role in recovery.
Those cases nonresponsive to conservative treatment may require surgical repair. |
