Triceps tendinopathy is pain and irritation of the triceps tendon where it attaches to the point of the elbow. It causes pain at the back of the elbow when pushing, pressing or straightening the arm against resistance, and is seen mostly in people who lift weights, throw or do heavy manual work. It is rare compared with tennis and golfer's elbow and usually settles with load management and progressive strengthening.
Also known as triceps tendinitis, weightlifter's elbow, posterior elbow tendinopathy
Anatomy: where the problem is
Side view of the bent elbow. Highlighted in the diagram: triceps tendon and point of the elbow (olecranon).
Symptoms
- Pain at the back of the elbow, just above the bony point
- Pain when pushing, pressing or straightening the arm against resistance, such as press-ups or dips
- Tenderness and sometimes thickening of the tendon
- Stiffness or aching after training
- A sudden pop with bruising and difficulty straightening the arm if the tendon tears
Causes and risk factors
- Repeated forceful straightening of the elbow, as in weight training, throwing or hammering
- A rapid increase in pressing or pushing exercise
- Anabolic steroid use, which is a recognised risk factor for tendon rupture
- Kidney disease and some other medical conditions that weaken tendons
- Repeated steroid injections around the elbow
What the evidence says helps
- Because the condition is rare there is little published research. It is managed along the same lines as other tendon problems: reduce the aggravating load, then rebuild strength progressively.1
- Managing it properly matters, because a tendon that stays irritated can go on to tear.1
- A complete tear of the triceps tendon is usually repaired surgically. A systematic review found that results after repair are excellent and that re-rupture is uncommon.2
- Tears are sometimes missed at first, so an elbow that cannot be straightened against gravity after an injury needs prompt assessment.2
Things you can try at home
- Reduce heavy pressing, dips and overhead triceps exercises for a few weeks
- Keep the arm moving and maintain lighter training that does not provoke pain
- Build pressing strength back gradually, starting with slow, controlled repetitions
- Avoid leaning on the point of the elbow
- Do not push through sharp pain at the back of the elbow
When to get urgent help
Contact your GP urgently, call NHS 111, or call 999 in an emergency if you have:
- A hot, red, swollen elbow with a fever or feeling unwell: see a GP the same day or call NHS 111
- An elbow that looks deformed, or cannot be bent or straightened after a fall: go to A&E
- Arm pain with chest pain, breathlessness or sweating: call 999
- Numbness, pins and needles or weakness in the hand that is getting worse: see your GP promptly
- A sudden pop at the back of the elbow with bruising, or being unable to straighten the arm against gravity: go to A&E or a minor injuries unit
How Apollo can help
We check the tendon, the elbow joint and the nerve that runs behind the elbow, and we ask about your training or work. We agree how to adjust loading in the short term and set out a staged strengthening plan for the triceps and shoulder, using hands-on treatment where it helps. We can measure pushing strength to track progress and guide your return to full training. If we suspect a tear, we refer you promptly for imaging and a specialist opinion.
No GP referral needed. Clinics in Sheringham, Coltishall and Norwich.
Related reading
Frequently asked questions
What causes pain at the back of the elbow when I do press-ups?
Pain just above the point of the elbow during pressing movements often comes from the triceps tendon. Other causes include bursitis, where there is a soft swelling over the point of the elbow, and joint problems. An examination can tell these apart.
How long does triceps tendinopathy take to recover?
Tendons adapt slowly. With reduced loading and a progressive strengthening programme, most people improve over two to three months, though long-standing cases can take longer.
How do I know if I have torn my triceps tendon?
A tear usually causes a sudden pop or sharp pain at the back of the elbow, followed by bruising, swelling and difficulty straightening the arm against resistance. This needs prompt medical assessment, as complete tears are usually repaired.
References
- Donaldson O, Vannet N, Gosens T, Kulkarni R (2014). Tendinopathies Around the Elbow Part 2: Medial Elbow, Distal Biceps and Triceps Tendinopathies. Shoulder & Elbow 6:47-56. View source
- Dunn JC, et al. (2016). Triceps Tendon Ruptures: A Systematic Review. HAND 12:431-438. View source
This page is general information, not a diagnosis or a substitute for medical advice. If you are worried about your symptoms, speak to your GP or a registered healthcare professional. Content prepared from the sources above, November 2026.
