Triceps Tendonitis
Inflammation of the triceps tendon at the back of the elbow causing pain with pushing and overhead activities
Recovery Time
4-8 weeks
Prevalence
Common in Athletes
Severity
Mild to Moderate
Triceps tendonitis is an overuse injury affecting the triceps tendon that attaches the triceps muscle to the olecranon (tip of the elbow). This condition commonly occurs in athletes who perform repetitive overhead or pushing motions.
The triceps muscle is responsible for extending the elbow and plays a crucial role in pushing movements, overhead activities, and arm stabilization. When the tendon becomes inflamed due to repetitive stress or sudden overload, it results in pain at the back of the elbow that worsens with activity.
Grade 1 - Mild Tendonitis
Mild pain and stiffness after activity with minimal functional limitation.
• Pain only after intense activity • No swelling • Full range of motion • Able to continue sports
Grade 2 - Moderate Tendonitis
Pain during and after activity with some functional limitations and mild swelling.
• Pain during activity • Mild swelling • Slight loss of strength • Activity modification needed
Grade 3 - Severe Tendonitis
Constant pain with significant functional impairment and possible tendon degeneration.
• Pain at rest • Significant weakness • Marked swelling • Unable to perform activities
1Acute Phase (0-2 weeks)
- • Rest from aggravating activities and sports
- • Ice therapy 15-20 minutes, 3-4 times daily
- • Anti-inflammatory medications as needed
- • Gentle range of motion exercises
2Rehabilitation Phase (2-6 weeks)
- • Progressive strengthening exercises
- • Eccentric triceps training
- • Elbow support or taping during activities
- • Gradual return to functional movements
3Return to Activity (6-8 weeks)
- • Sport-specific training progression
- • Technique modification and coaching
- • Preventive strengthening program
- • Equipment evaluation and adjustment
Early Phase Exercises
- • Gentle Elbow Extension: Passive and active-assisted movements (10-15 reps, 3x daily)
- • Triceps Stretch: Overhead arm stretch, hold 30 seconds (3-5 reps)
- • Pendulum Swings: Gentle arm swinging for mobility
Strengthening Phase
- • Eccentric Triceps Extensions: Slow lowering phase emphasis (8-12 reps, 3 sets)
- • Resistance Band Extensions: Progressive resistance training
- • Wall Push-ups: Modified pushing exercises (10-15 reps)
Advanced Training
- • Triceps Dips: Progressive loading (8-12 reps, 3 sets)
- • Overhead Press: Functional movement patterns
- • Sport-Specific Drills: Activity-related movements
- • Overhead throwing sports
- • Weightlifting and powerlifting
- • Swimming (freestyle, butterfly)
- • Tennis and racquet sports
- • Poor training progression
- • Muscle imbalances
- • Previous elbow injuries
- • Proper warm-up before activity
- • Progressive training increases
- • Regular triceps stretching
- • Balanced strength training
- • Proper technique coaching
- • Adequate rest between sessions
- • Equipment maintenance
- • Severe pain at rest
- • Inability to extend elbow
- • Significant swelling
- • Numbness or tingling
- • No improvement after 2 weeks
- • Sudden onset of severe pain
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