Our muscles and bones are the two most critical parts of our body that facilitate seamless movement and healthy living. However, muscles, tendons, and bones, like other body parts, are susceptible to injuries and conditions that need immediate attention to prevent long-term damage. Triceps tendinopathy is one such issue that a chiropractor or physiotherapist can help you explore. In this blog, we’ll discuss what triceps tendinopathy is and when it can be serious.
The triceps tendon attaches the triceps muscle to the elbow bone. Triceps tendinopathy occurs when there is damage to the tendon that connects the elbow bone to the triceps muscle. This condition often manifests as pain near the elbow and weakness in the triceps muscle. While triceps tendinopathy is typically the result of repetitive stress to the area, it can also result from a sudden injury, like a fall or blow to the elbow.
The severity of triceps tendinopathy can vary from person to person, with some people experiencing mild symptoms while others may experience more severe symptoms. Triceps tendinopathy is considered mild when it’s only causing occasional discomfort and doesn’t interfere with everyday activities. However, if the symptoms become more frequent, severe and start to interfere with everyday living, it’s time to visit a chiropractor or physiotherapist.
If left untreated, a mild case of triceps tendinopathy can quickly advance to a more severe condition. When triceps tendinopathy progresses to its moderate or severe phase, mild or occasional elbow pain can turn into a severe, sharp pain that radiates through the wrist and arm. This is when the pain becomes unbearable, and you have difficulty carrying out daily tasks. At this point, a chiropractor or physiotherapist is your best bet to prevent further damage to the tendons.
An experienced chiropractor or physiotherapist can evaluate the severity of triceps tendinopathy and suggest the best course of action. Treatment for triceps tendinopathy can vary from simple rest and ice to surgery, depending on the severity of the condition. Chiropractors and physiotherapists can help devise a plan to rehabilitate the affected tendons and muscles, bring back strength and flexibility to the elbow joint, and relieve pain.
Prevention is always better than cure. If you work at a job or participate in sports activities that put a lot of stress on the elbow joint, it’s essential to take preventive measures to minimize the chances of developing triceps tendinopathy. Warm up before any physical activity and invest in appropriate protective gear to protect the elbow and other joints. Resting when you feel pain or discomfort is also recommended.
Triceps tendinopathy is a common condition that can range from mild to severe. If you experience any elbow pain or weakness, particularly after physical activity, it’s essential to seek professional help from a chiropractor or physiotherapist. They can assess the severity of the issue and suggest a plan of action to bring relief and prevent further damage. Preventive measures are also critical to minimize the risk of triceps tendinopathy and other repetitive strain injuries. Take care of your body, and it will take care of you!
If you have any questions or would like to explore further, please book a free, no-charge online appointment with either myself, Dr. Tyler Baron, BASc, DC or another Kitchener chiropractor at CARESPACE. We are happy to listen and are here to help!
