What Are the Symptoms of a Torn Triceps Muscle?

The triceps brachii is a large, thick muscle in the upper arm that often appears in the shape of a horseshoe and whose main function is to extend the elbow joint. The triceps is made up of three heads: long, lateral and medial.

Triceps muscle tears occur toward the ends of the muscle and may be caused by a direct blow to the elbow due to a fall on an outstretched hand or lifting heavy weights against resistance.

There are two types of triceps tendon injuries: tendinitis and tears:

• Tendinitis is most often caused by repetitive motions that put strain on the elbow, such as doing pushups, swinging a bat or tennis racquet, or lifting weights. Overuse of the tendon can cause irritation and inflammation. 
• Tears are caused by abrupt force on the muscle.

Men tear their triceps tendon more than women, almost at a 3 to 1 ratio. However, most people who injure their triceps tendon do not have any risk factors, although chronic illness (such as diabetes and hypothyroidism) increases the risk of injury.

Other risk factors for triceps tear injuries include:

• Anabolic steroid use
• Elbow bursitis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Steroid injections in the elbow

Depending on the severity of the damage, a  triceps tendon injury may heal on its own or require surgery to repair it:

• Nonsurgical treatment includes resting the elbow and limiting the number of repetitive motions. Applying ice every 20 minutes for a few hours can help reduce triceps irritation and pain. (Remember the R-I-C-E protocol: Rest–Ice–Compression–Elevation of the affected part.)
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen also work to reduce inflammation and pain.
• Complete tendon tears usually require surgical repair. Surgery should take place within a month of the injury for optimal healing, followed by physical rehabilitation.