Do I Have A Triceps Strain?

Do you experience a mild swelling or bruising over the triceps?

Do you experience pain in the muscle at the back of your upper arm or the attachment points at the elbow or shoulder?

Is it painful when you extend or straighten your elbow against resistance?

Do you experience tenderness pressing into the muscle?

Was the pain sudden and/or did you experience a small popping or ripping sensation?

Is stretching the triceps painful?

Based on your answers, you may be displaying one sign related to a triceps strain. A triceps strain is a tear to the triceps muscle, which is located at the back of the upper arm. By contracting the triceps, you will be able to straighten the elbow. A triceps strain is caused by overuse or a sudden force on the muscle. Immediate treatment for this type of injury is rest and applying ice. If the pain does not go away with ice and rest, you should make an appointment with your doctor. In case you answered ‘no’ to all questions, it is very unlikely you have a triceps strain.

Based on your answers, you are displaying some signs related to a triceps strain. A tear of the triceps may happen at the back of the upper arm or near the attachment point at the back of your elbow. Immediate treatment for this type of injuries is rest and applying ice. If the injury does not improve in two weeks, you should visit your doctor. With appropriate treatment, most people with a minor or moderate strain can usually recover with a few weeks. In more severe cases, it may take up to months. In case surgical intervention is required, a rehabilitation period of 6-9 months may be necessary.

Unfortunately, you are displaying the symptoms typically seen among individuals who have a triceps strain. Injuries to the triceps usually happen after a sudden force or stretch on the muscle. Pain is felt instantly and sometimes there is a popping sound in the muscle. The injury is not common, but it may occur in weightlifters or other sports where a forceful elbow extension is used. Triceps strains may also be caused by repetitive strain and overuse. This leads to muscle weakness and eventually a tear in the fibers. Immediate treatment for this type of injuries is rest and applying ice. If the injury does not improve in two weeks, you should visit your doctor.