Distal Triceps Tendonitis
- Description / Cause
- Pain along the triceps tendon
- Most commonly occur at olecranon musculotendinous junction
- Chronic conditions from repetitive overuse and heavy lifting
- Prevalence / Risk factors
- Least common of the elbow tendiopathy
- Males > Females
- Often occur with young active patients
- Risk Factors
- Metabolic conditions
- Endocrine disorders (DM)
- Corticosteroid injections
- Anabolic steroid
- Overtraining
- Olecranon bursitis
- Signs / Symptoms
- Pain and weakness with active elbow extension
- Examination may reveal:
- Swelling
- Tenderness
- Ecchymosis
- Palpable defect just proximal to the olecranon
- Weakness of elbow extension
- Objective / Special Test
- Imaging – MRI to rule out avulsion fracture
- MMT
- AROM and PROM
- Modified Thompson test on triceps (normally used on calf to test Achilles tendon rupture)
- Treatment / Interventions
- Typically managed non-surgically
- NSAIDS
- Physical therapy
- Stretching and ROM
- Strengthening
- Surgically methods used when conservative methods fail after 6 months
References
- Taylor S., Hannafin J. Evaluation and Management of Elbow Tendinopathy. Sports Health: A Multidisciplinary Approach September/October 2012 vol. 4 no. 5 384-39.
- Sierra RJ, Weiss NG, Shrader MW, Steinmann SP. Acute triceps ruptures: case report and retrospective chart review. J Shoulder Elbow Surg. 2006;15(1):130-134.
Acknowledgements:
David Funk, Student Physical Therapist at A.T. Still University
Ethan Hunke, Student Physical Therapist at A.T. Still University
Morgan Johnson, Student Physical Therapist at A.T. Still University
Ed Nheiu, Student Physical Therapist at A.T. Still University
Lindsay Walczak, Student Physical Therapist at A.T. Still University
Last edited: July 13, 2015
David Funk, Student Physical Therapist at A.T. Still University
Ethan Hunke, Student Physical Therapist at A.T. Still University
Morgan Johnson, Student Physical Therapist at A.T. Still University
Ed Nheiu, Student Physical Therapist at A.T. Still University
Lindsay Walczak, Student Physical Therapist at A.T. Still University
Last edited: July 13, 2015