What is the treatment for triceps tendinitis?

From the Guidelines

Treatment for triceps tendinitis should prioritize a combination of rest, pain management, and gradual rehabilitation, avoiding corticosteroid injections due to potential deleterious effects on the tendon 1. When managing triceps tendinitis, it's essential to reduce activities that aggravate the tendon and apply ice for 15-20 minutes several times daily to reduce inflammation.

• Over-the-counter NSAIDs like ibuprofen (400-600mg three times daily with food) or naproxen (220-440mg twice daily) can help manage pain and inflammation for short periods, typically 1-2 weeks.
• Physical therapy focusing on eccentric strengthening exercises is crucial for recovery; these exercises involve slowly lowering weight while lengthening the triceps muscle. Some key points to consider in the treatment of triceps tendinitis include:
• Starting with light weights and gradually increasing as pain allows
• Stretching exercises to improve flexibility should be performed gently, holding each stretch for 20-30 seconds
• Most cases improve within 4-6 weeks with consistent treatment, but severe cases may require 3-6 months of rehabilitation Given the potential risks associated with corticosteroid injections, as noted in the study 1, it's crucial to approach their use with caution and consider alternative treatment strategies that prioritize rehabilitation and pain management.

From the FDA Drug Label

Management of Pain, Primary Dysmenorrhea, and Acute Tendonitis and Bursitis Because the sodium salt of naproxen is more rapidly absorbed, naproxen sodium is recommended for the management of acute painful conditions when prompt onset of pain relief is desired. Naproxen may also be used The recommended starting dose of naproxen is 500 mg, followed by 500 mg every 12 hours or 250 mg every 6 to 8 hours as required.

The treatment for triceps tendinitis may include naproxen. The recommended starting dose is 500 mg, followed by 500 mg every 12 hours or 250 mg every 6 to 8 hours as required.

• The initial total daily dose should not exceed 1250 mg of naproxen.
• Thereafter, the total daily dose should not exceed 1000 mg of naproxen 2.

From the Research

Treatment Options for Triceps Tendinitis

• Conservative management is often the first line of treatment for triceps tendinopathies and partial tendon tears with intact strength, and includes rest, ice, immobilization, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and physical therapy 3
• If conservative management fails for 6 months or there are strength deficits on examination, surgery should be considered 3
• Eccentric exercises have been shown to be an effective treatment for tendinopathy, including triceps tendinitis, and can improve pain and function 4
• Low-level laser therapy and extracorporeal shockwave therapy have also demonstrated moderate effectiveness in treating tendinopathy 4
• Corticosteroids may provide short-term pain relief, but their long-term use is deemed ineffective and may be contraindicated 4

Surgical Treatment

• Primary repair for complete triceps tendon rupture can restore normal extensor function after 3 to 4 months 5
• Reconstruction can return normal extensor function up to 4 years after surgery 5
• Postoperative immobilization for 2 to 3 weeks at 30- to 40-degree flexion, followed by flexion block bracing for an additional 3 weeks, is often recommended 5
• Athletes may be able to return to sports after 4 to 5 weeks of recovery from a partial injury, but return may be delayed if operative tendon repair is performed 5

Non-Surgical Treatment

• Rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) therapy is often recommended for acute injuries, but there is limited evidence to support its effectiveness for triceps tendinitis specifically 6
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly used to treat tendinopathy, but their effectiveness is still debated, and some studies have shown no significant effect on gene expression or pain relief 7