Dallas Triceps Tendon Surgeon
The triceps tendon attaches the triceps muscle to the olecranon (the bony prominence of the ulna, or forearm bone, at the elbow joint). This tendon allows you to extend your elbow, straighten your arm, or push against resistance, playing a crucial role in restoring normal function of the arm. Triceps tendon tears often occur due to trauma or overload and can cause severe pain and diminish strength. In addition to pain and weakness, a complete rupture or complete tear can lead to a visible deformity at the back of the elbow and a complete inability to straighten the arm, severely limiting function and impacting daily activities. Elbow pain and weakness may also be seen in other conditions, such as golfer’s elbow and tennis elbow.
It is important to note that these tears can result from a sudden, forceful straightening of the arm, including situations when trying to break a fall, or from repetitive stress and overuse, particularly in activities that involve heavy lifting or throwing. These injuries may involve detachment of the tendon from the attached bone and sometimes produce a snapping sound. In some cases, symptoms such as numbness or tingling may require evaluation for ulnar nerve entrapment, and assessment of blood vessels may be necessary to rule out complications.
The Procedures & Treatment Options
Before considering surgery, physical therapy plays a crucial role in the conservative treatment of triceps tendon tears, especially for chronic tendon injuries. By focusing on specific stretches and strengthening exercises, physical therapy can help to reduce pain, thereby potentially improving elbow function and promoting healing of the affected tendon. Other conservative measures include, but are not limited to: rest, ice packs to reduce swelling, compression, and anti-inflammatory medicines and pain medication, all of which are aimed at managing symptoms and facilitating recovery.
Triceps tendon tear surgery is a surgical procedure that reattaches the torn tendon to the olecranon at the elbow, restoring the ability to extend your arm. The triceps tendons connect the triceps muscle to the elbow joint and the shoulder blade, making surgical repair critical for restoring normal function. The procedure requires a small incision and fixation with anchors.
Healing after triceps tendon tear surgery requires you to follow a set of guidelines that are in place for your safety and comfort, including wearing a splint or cast to immobilize the elbow joint and prevent stiffness.
Your Dallas triceps tendon doctor has provided general instructions regarding post-operative recovery from triceps tendon tear surgery below, but you may also receive specific guidance, which takes precedence. Early recovery often involves physical therapy to restore motion and strength, enabling a return to normal activities.
FAQS
General Post Operative Care
What to Eat or Drink Following Your Procedure
Your diet is not restricted following surgery unless specified by your Dallas triceps tendon specialist. The following are some things you can do to make eating and drinking easier during recovery from your triceps tendon repair surgical procedure:
- After surgery, avoid heavy, greasy foods. These meals may cause gastrointestinal discomfort, and pain medication prescribed as part of your post-operative care may contribute to nausea. Stick to light, easily-digestible foods for the first 48 hours to help reduce pain and support healing.
- If you experience severe nausea or vomiting, contact our office at once.
- Hydration is important to aid in recovery and reduce swelling. Drink plenty of water or electrolyte beverages.
Caring for Incisions
Your care team has placed a surgical dressing to cover and protect your incisions. Do not remove this dressing. We will remove it during your follow-up visit.
- You may experience swelling and spotting around the incision site. If your dressing becomes saturated, do not remove it. Instead, cover it with sterile gauze and contact our office.
- To prevent infection, ensure the incision remains dry. Starting 24 hours after your surgery, you may shower by covering the incision area with a waterproof barrier. Do not get in a bath, pool, hot tub, or other body of water in which your surgical site may become immersed.
- Avoid the application of topical creams, lotions, ointments, or other products unless cleared by your doctor. Once your stitches or sutures have been removed, you may gently get the incision site wet; however, you should still avoid immersion until cleared by your Dallas triceps tendon surgeon, ensuring proper care following the surgical treatment.
Pain and Medication Guidelines
*The following are general aftercare guidelines for the use of medications. Your doctor will provide specific instructions as they pertain to your health, prescriptions, and procedure.
- Numbing medication (anesthesia) has been administered during your procedure. This will typically begin to wear off after 6-10 hours. You may begin to feel discomfort and pain, which tends to peak around day 2-3.
- Take all pain medications as prescribed. If you find that your medication is ineffective, contact our office.
- Prescription pain medications have side effects that can include dizziness and drowsiness. You should not attempt to drive, operate heavy machinery, or engage in activities that require alertness while taking these medications.
- Triceps tendon tears surgery carries with it the potential for blood clot formation. If you are in a high-risk category for blood clots, talk to your doctor to discuss options like a low-dose aspirin regimen during recovery.
Your Mobility Following Surgery to Repair Rotator Cuff Tears
- Rest is important during early recovery from this surgical intervention. Keep your operative arm supported in a brace/splint, and maintain the elbow in a slightly flexed position according to your doctor’s direction for the first week.
- Use the provided brace/splint continuously for 4-6 weeks. Avoid all active elbow extension or pushing motions until cleared by your doctor.
- For the first two weeks, refrain from activities that may strain the elbow, such as lifting, pushing, or leaning heavily on the arm.
- You do not want to allow your arm to go unsupported. You should also avoid long periods of sitting without movement, including long car rides.
- Do not attempt to drive until cleared to do so by your doctor. Pain medications may interact with your ability to drive safely, but your brace/splint may also make it difficult to pilot a vehicle.
- You may return to work after a week, but you’re encouraged to seek accommodations to work in a position that does not require the use of your operative arm.
Proper Usage of Your Brace and/or Splint
- Wear your prescribed brace or splint at all times—including during sleep—until your doctor advises otherwise. If adjustments are needed, our office can assist you.
- If you need to remove or adjust the brace for hygiene purposes, consult our team first for safe guidance.
Use a Cold Pack for Swelling
- Use cold therapy to manage swelling and pain. Apply a cold pack or prescribed cooling device over the tendon repair for 20-30 minutes every 2-3 hours for the first week.
- Always place a towel or cloth between the ice pack and your skin to prevent frostbite and keep the incision dry.
Movement and Stretching Guidelines
- Gentle finger and wrist exercises can be helpful during recovery unless restricted by your doctor. You will want to avoid any exercises that may result in elbow extension or flexion until cleared by your doctor.
- Perform prescribed exercises 2-3 times daily according to your doctor’s guidance to promote healthy circulation and prevent stiffness in the hand and wrist.
- Our office can help you schedule physical therapy if your doctor has ordered ongoing follow-up care with a physical therapist.
CALL US IF…
Reach out right away if you notice:
- Severe, persistent pain that does not improve with medication or radiates through your upper arm.
- Fever, chills, infection, redness, off-color discharge.
- Severe swelling, tingling, numbness or skin discoloration, particularly in the hand, fingers or forearm.
- Respiratory distress or chest discomfort.
- Bleeding or persistent fluid leakage at the incision site.
Living with a Tricep Tendon Injury can be frustrating. Contact Dallas Triceps Tendon Surgeon Dr. Steven Thornton today.
Contact Dr. Thornton’s office to learn about effective treatment strategies and start your journey towards a healthier, more active tricep.