Author: Mr Oliver Eaton BSc (Hons), PG.Cert – Orthopaedic Specialist
Reviewed by: Mr William Sharples BSc (Hons) – Pain Management Expert
Last Updated: September 2025
In this article, you will find out everything you need to know about tricep tendonitis and the most effective ways to treat it, including an advanced treatment called Prolotherapy.
What is Tricep Tendonitis?
Tricep tendonitis, also known as triceps tendinopathy, is a condition caused by inflammation or degeneration of the triceps tendon, which connects the triceps muscle to the elbow bones, specifically the olecranon and ulna. The triceps are a key muscle group in the arms, essential for upper body strength and movement. It often affects athletes, weightlifters, and individuals engaged in repetitive pushing or extension movements. Risk factors include improper warm-up and technique; additionally, the use of anabolic steroids can increase susceptibility to triceps tendonitis, especially when combined with improper technique. This condition can cause pain, swelling, and reduced strength, impacting daily activities and athletic performance.
Anatomy of the Triceps Tendon
The triceps tendon is a robust, fibrous tissue that serves as the crucial link between the triceps muscle and the elbow joint. Originating from the three heads of the triceps muscle at the back of the upper arm, the tendon converges and attaches to the olecranon, a bony prominence on the ulna. This anatomical arrangement allows the triceps to perform its primary function: straightening the arm after it has been bent. Everyday movements such as push ups, throwing, and pressing rely on the smooth operation of the triceps tendon. When this tendon becomes inflamed or injured, as seen in triceps tendonitis, it can lead to pain, limited motion, and difficulty with activities that require elbow extension. Understanding the structure and function of the triceps tendon is essential for recognizing the signs of tendonitis and implementing effective treatment strategies.
Causes of Tricep Tendonitis
- Repetitive overuse from sports like weightlifting, basketball, throwing events, or exercises such as bench presses that place significant stress on the triceps tendon.
- Repetitive movement, especially with poor technique, can contribute to tricep tendonitis.
- Sudden, sharp movements or abrupt increases in training intensity or load can trigger injury.
- Improper lifting technique placing excess strain on the elbow joint.
- Direct trauma to the back of the elbow.
- Underlying conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or gout.
According to research, tendon injuries often occur when mechanical stress exceeds the tendon’s capacity to adapt, leading to a breakdown in collagen fibers.
Triceps Tendonitis Symptoms
Triceps tendonitis symptoms commonly include:
- Localized pain at the back of the elbow, especially when extending the arm.
- Swelling or warmth around the tendon insertion.
- Weakness during pushing movements (e.g., push-ups, bench press).
- Stiffness after periods of rest.
- Pain when leaning on the elbow.
- A sudden, sharp pain may occur at the onset of injury in some cases.
- Pain may sometimes radiate toward the shoulder, and shoulder movement may be assessed during evaluation.
It is important to note when the pain started, as this information can help guide diagnosis and treatment.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis begins with a detailed clinical history and physical examination. Seeing a doctor is important for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning. Key diagnostic steps include:
- Physical examination: Palpation over the triceps tendon to detect tenderness, especially where it attaches to the elbow bones.
- Range of motion tests: Assessing elbow extension strength.
- Imaging: X-rays may be used to assess the elbow bones and rule out other conditions, while ultrasound or MRI can confirm tendon inflammation or microtears (Werner & Andary, 2011).
Triceps Tendinopathy
Triceps tendinopathy, commonly known as triceps tendonitis, refers to a spectrum of conditions affecting the triceps tendon, ranging from acute inflammation to chronic degeneration. This condition typically develops when the tendon is subjected to repetitive overuse or an acute injury, resulting in micro-tears and irritation of the tendon tissue. Individuals may experience pain and stiffness in the elbow and upper arm, especially during activities that involve pushing or straightening the arm. Triceps tendinopathy can be classified as tendinitis, which is marked by acute inflammation, or tendinosis, which involves long-term degeneration of the tendon without significant inflammation. Early and accurate diagnosis is vital to prevent further injury and to ensure a full recovery, as untreated triceps tendonitis can progress and become more difficult to manage.
Case Study
Patient: 35-year-old competitive weightlifter experiencing elbow pain for 3 months.
Findings: Pain during pressing exercises, tenderness over triceps insertion, MRI showing mild tendon thickening.
Treatment: Activity modification, physiotherapy, eccentric strengthening exercises, and targeted prolotherapy injections.
Outcome: Pain resolved after 8 weeks, patient returned to competitive training without recurrence.
Treatments
Effective management of tricep tendonitis depends on the severity and chronicity of symptoms. Most cases of tricep tendonitis can be treated successfully with conservative measures. Recovery time varies depending on the severity of the condition and the chosen treatment approach. Treatment options include:
- Conservative management: This includes appropriately resting the affected tendon to support healing, activity modification, ice, anti-inflammatory medications, and physical therapy.
Conservative Treatment Management
- Rest from aggravating activities.
- Follow the RICE protocol (rest, ice, compression, elevation) as an initial step to reduce swelling and facilitate healing.
- Ice application to reduce inflammation and help reduce swelling.
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
- Physiotherapy focusing on eccentric triceps strengthening; gentle stretch exercises may be included, but overstretching should be avoided to prevent aggravating the injury.
- Gradual return to sports with proper warm-up routines.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy plays a central role in the conservative treatment of triceps tendonitis. A skilled physical therapist can develop a personalized exercise program designed to strengthen the triceps muscle and restore range of motion in the elbow joint. Gentle stretching and progressive strengthening exercises help reduce pain and inflammation, while also supporting the healing process and minimizing the risk of further injury. Physical therapy may include modalities such as manual therapy, targeted stretches, and resistance exercises tailored to the needs of the affected arm. By following a structured treatment plan and gradually increasing activity levels, patients can regain function and return to their normal routines safely and effectively.
Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is an emerging treatment option for triceps tendonitis that harnesses the body’s natural healing abilities. In this procedure, a concentrated solution of platelets, derived from the patient’s own blood, is injected directly into the injured tendon. The growth factors present in PRP are believed to stimulate tissue repair, reduce inflammation, and promote recovery of the triceps tendon. While PRP therapy has shown encouraging results in the management of various tendon injuries, ongoing research is needed to fully establish its effectiveness for triceps tendonitis. Patients considering PRP should consult with their healthcare provider to determine if this therapy is appropriate for their specific condition.
Prolotherapy
In recent years, Prolotherapy has built its reputation within the medical community for its clinically proven ability to treat tricep tendonitis.
Published research has proven its pain-relieving, anti-inflammatory and regenerative benefits.
Prolotherapy involves injecting a natural regenerative solution with tiny needles. This has been shown to stimulate the production of collagen cells, the small cells needed to help with tricep tendonitis.
As prolotherapy is helping to treat the root cause of tricep tendonitis, it is deemed to be a permanent fix, preventing the symptoms from returning.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this section is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Prolotherapy may not be suitable for everyone, and outcomes can vary. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional regarding your specific medical condition or treatment options. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of information you have read here.
Surgical Intervention
Reserved for chronic cases where conservative care fails. Surgical repair is typically performed under general anesthesia to ensure patient comfort. Procedures may involve tendon debridement or reattachment of the tendon to a part of the elbow called the olecranon. After surgery, a brace may be used to immobilize the elbow and support recovery. The goal of surgery is to restore the ability to straighten the arm and regain full function.
Severe Cases and Complications
In severe cases of triceps tendonitis, the tendon may suffer a partial or complete tear, which can significantly impair arm function and cause persistent pain. When conservative treatments such as rest, ice, and physical therapy are not sufficient to provide relief, surgical intervention may be required. Tendon repair surgery typically involves reattaching the damaged tendon to the bone using sutures or bone anchors, followed by a period of immobilization to allow for proper healing. After surgery, a comprehensive rehabilitation program is essential to restore range of motion and rebuild strength in the affected arm. If triceps tendonitis is left untreated, it can lead to chronic pain, reduced mobility, and a higher risk of further injury. Early recognition of symptoms and prompt medical attention are key to preventing complications and ensuring the best possible outcome. In addition to surgery, other treatment options such as corticosteroid injections or advanced therapies may be considered to provide relief and support the healing process.
Prevention
- To prevent tendonitis, gradually increase training intensity.
- Ensure proper lifting technique.
- Incorporate flexibility and strength training for the upper limb.
- Avoid repetitive movement and repetitive overloading without adequate recovery.
FAQs
How long does it take to recover from tricep tendonitis?
Mild cases can improve in 4–6 weeks with rest and physiotherapy, while chronic cases may require several months of targeted treatment.
Can I still train with tricep tendonitis?
Training should be modified to avoid aggravating the tendon. Focus on lower body and non-painful upper body exercises.
Is prolotherapy safe for treating tricep tendonitis?
Yes, when performed by a qualified practitioner, prolotherapy is a safe, minimally invasive treatment with regenerative benefits.
What’s the difference between tricep tendonitis and tricep tendinosis?
Tendonitis refers to inflammation of the tendon, while tendinosis is chronic degeneration without significant inflammation.
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Author Bio
Having performed over 10,000 procedures, Mr Eaton is one of the UK’s leading practitioners in the field of treating tricep tendonitis, with patients travelling to see him from across the UK, Europe, and the Middle East. With over 12 years of clinical experience, Oliver is dedicated to helping patients understand their symptoms associated with tricep tendonitis and providing effective treatment options to alleviate them.
He qualified in Prolozone Therapy and Prolotherapy in America with the American Academy of Ozonotherapy. He continued on to complete further qualifications at the Royal Society of Medicine, Charing Cross Hospital in London, Keele University’s Anatomy & Surgical Training Centre, and the medical department of Heidelberg University in Germany. Over the years he has had the privilege of treating many elite-level athletes, including both Olympic and Commonwealth medallists.
Mr Eaton’s expertise has been featured in many national news and media publications, including The Telegraph, The Daily Mail, The Daily Express, Women’s Health Magazine, and The Scotsman.
References
- Khan KM, Cook JL, Kannus P, Maffulli N, Bonar SF. Time to abandon the “tendinitis” myth. BMJ. 2002;324(7338):626-627.
- Werner, R. A., & Andary, M. (2011). Electrodiagnostic evaluation of tendon injuries. Muscle & Nerve, 44(4), 597–607.
- Peterson W, et al. (2014). Overuse injuries in sport: epidemiology, prevention, and therapy. Dtsch Arztebl Int, 111(20), 347–356.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making treatment decisions.