Triceps Tendonitis

Triceps Tendonitis Specialist

Triceps tendonitis, an inflammation of the triceps tendon, can occur due to an acute injury, repetitive overuse or activities such as throwing a baseball or using a hammer. Falling onto the outstretched arm may also cause the condition. Triceps tendonitis specialist, Dr. Kelechi Okoroha provides diagnosis and individualized non-surgical and surgical management for triceps tendonitis in Minneapolis. Contact Dr. Okoroha’s team for an appointment today!

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Triceps tendonitis is inflammation of the triceps tendon, the tissue that connects the triceps muscle on the back of the upper arm to the back of the elbow joint, allowing you to straighten your arm back after you have bent it.

Symptoms

Triceps tendonitis is characterized by a pain or aches in the triceps area, elbow or shoulder, swelling, weakness, reduced arm movement and a bulge near the elbow.

Causes

Triceps tendonitis can occur due to an acute injury or repetitive overuse. Activities that can lead to triceps tendonitis include:

• Throwing a baseball
• Using a hammer
• Performing bench presses
• Falling onto your outstretched arm

Risk factors for developing triceps tendonitis include using anabolic steroids, medical conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or diabetes, not warming up properly before exercise and not using proper technique while performing a repetitive movement.

When triceps tendonitis is suspected, it is important to schedule an orthopedic consultation for proper examination and care. Dr. Kelechi Okoroha is a triceps tendonitis specialist who provides detailed examination and care for patients with triceps tendonitis in Minneapolis, St. Paul, Rochester, Eden Prairie, Minnetonka, Minnesota and beyond.

Diagnosis

Dr. Okoroha performs a thorough physical examination of your shoulder, arm, triceps and elbow to identify the site of inflammation and the movements that cause pain. X-rays, ultrasound and MRI scans may be suggested to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment

After careful review of your history and examination, Dr. Okoroha will provide an individualized treatment plan to help you return to your normal function.

First-line treatment options include rest, ice, compression and elevation (RICE protocol).

• Rest: Restrict all activities that irritate or overuse the triceps tendon.
• Ice: Apply ice packs wrapped in a towel over the affected area for 15-20 minutes at a time to help alleviate pain and swelling.
• Compression: An elastic compression bandage is used to wrap and support the area to reduce swelling. Take care not to wrap too tightly which could constrict the blood vessels.
• Elevation: Keep the affected area elevated as much as possible.
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may also be recommended to reduce inflammation and pain. If first-line treatment does not work, Dr. Okoroha may inject a corticosteroid directly into the affected arm or may recommend a platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection and physical therapy.

If conservative treatments do not alleviate your symptoms, Dr. Okoroha may perform surgery. Through surgery the tendon can be cut and reattached to an area of the elbow called the olecranon (tendon repair) or may require grafting. With grafting, a bone graft (transplanted bone tissue) is placed on the damaged site to fill the gap after removal of the damaged tendon.