Definition of a Triceps Strain

The triceps brachii muscle is the large muscle at the back of the upper arm and is responsible for extending the arm at the elbow. A strain in this muscle will occur in the weakest part of the muscle which is normally were the muscle and tendon meet, but if you have an existing injury to the triceps muscle or its tendons then the strain can occur in these weak points also. As with all strains the are 3 different levels or grades from grade 1 to grade 3. A grade 3 strain would be a complete rupture of the triceps muscle or its tendon and in contrast a grade 1 strain would be a minor overstretching of the triceps muscle and would result in very little pain and some minor inflammation and that is about it.

Parts Involved in a Triceps Strain

• Triceps muscle

• Tendons of the triceps muscle

• Bones of the arm and shoulder

• Soft tissues that surround the injury site such as skin, nerves and blood vessels

Signs & Symptoms of a Triceps Strain

• Pain ilicited upon movement or stretching of the arm especially the man function of the triceps muscle which is extension of the forearm at the elbow

• Swelling that is localized the the strain site

• Possible loss of tricep strength, mostly seen with grade 2 and grade 3 triceps strains

• Muscle spasms

• Inflammation of the triceps tendon sheath

Causes of Triceps Strains

The main cause for a strain of the triceps brachii muscle is overstretching which is a result of a sudden impact or an explosive muscle contraction. The other common cause of tricep strains is muscle imbalance, as most people train biceps more and harder. The result of training biceps more and harder is a muscle imbalance and this imbalance leaves the triceps vulnerable to strains because the biceps muscle is so much stronger that the triceps muscle.

Risks for Developing a Triceps Strain

• Contact sports like football or hockey

• Bodybuilding or powerlifting

• Obesity

• Improper diet and nutrition

• Previous triceps injury

• Muscle imbalance between the biceps and the triceps muscles

Ways to Prevent a Triceps Strain

The best way to avoid a strain to your triceps is to avoid the risk factors listed above, for example don't be obese and if you are lose weight. There are certain things that are out of your control like a previous tricep injury, but if you have a previous injury to your tricep then take steps to prevent any further injuries such as eating right so your body has the nutrients it needs to repair properly between workouts. Also don't train the vanity muscles like biceps and neglect your triceps as this results in dangerous muscle imbalances that will most certainly lead to a strain of you triceps in the future.

The key is to really lead a healthy lifestyle of eating right exercising right and listening to your body as it will tell you when it is not healthy and on the verge of getting injured.

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