Snapping triceps syndrome (?)

[AntonisP]

Hi everyone, it's been a while since I wanted to post regarding this condition and have been silent in hopes of resolving it myself, with absolutely no success. This has been something I've been living with for the past 4 years with no success in getting rid of it. Having done an MRI scan that showed nothing wrong with my left arm and having been to several different medical doctors as well as physical therapists, has literally left me almost hopeless and this post is probably my last chance of getting it solved once and for all. I found a topic from some years ago where someone briefly mentioned that they suffered from this condition and somehow managed to solve it. WE NEED A MORE THOROUGH explanation/discussin regarding snapping triceps syndrome as it seems to be a condition that affects a surprisingly high number of people from what I've seen on other forums but nobody replies to them or gives an actual logical explanation as to what it is and how it can be resolved. Now, to get into the symptom that has caused me to conclude MYSELF that it is snapping triceps syndrome (as the medical community seems to be totally unware of its existence):
         1. When my left elbow flexes to approximately 90 degrees I get a muscular and ulnar nerve subluxation over the cubital tunnel. I've concluded that this muscle is the medial head of the tricep. As soon as this happens I try to extend my elbow but this time resisting the motion with my other arm. The portion that sticks out of the cubital tunnel starts hurting and the subluxation can be seen very clearly since the muscle is in contraction/tension.

         To add to this (I don't know if it is relevant or not but I'll say it to provide more information) I noticed that the muscles around my left scapula are all in severe pain whenever I try to use a tennis ball for MFR and it is a very different pain than what I feel when I do the same thing to the right hand side. Also, a few days ago I noticed that as I was experimenting with Jefferson curls, I got a very very similar pain somewhere between the left scap and the spine (I was holding the bar with a wide grip and flexing my head and upper T-spine), however the pain was completely non-existing on the right hand side. Also, both my left arm and leg are constantly restless, especially at night. The right side has absolutely no symptoms of restlessness.

Sorry for the long post, I am however desperate to solve this issue. I don't know if and exactly how the last portion of my post is related to snapping triceps syndrome but my logic tells me that there has to be a connection between all of those. I can post a video of me explaining all that stuff in more detail if it is required. And lastly, as it is constantly said in this forum, it is not just about me but more about the collective knowledge since I'm pretty sure others are suffering from similar issues that are looking for a solution and I might as well start a constructive discussion on the topic.

Thank you so much good people!

[Francesco]

I am no expert and know nothing about this condition, but based on what you say I wonder: have you looked for trigger point in the triceps? I think the head you mention near the cubital tunnel is the long one, not the medial; you may try to GENTLY massage it near the insertion with the nuckles of the other hand. When I first did this I found it to be very beneficial, first giving me small jolts in the ulnar region (since the nerve is just under there) and then a sensation of release.

[Francesco]

Also maybe you should give us some more details, like: what caused the problem? What physical training do you currently do? How is your flexibility like  (especially shoulder and thoracic spine)? etc.

[AshwinT]

I think the restlessness in your left side limbs may have to do with some nerve entrapment high up along your spine.  Find a good chiropracter to check it out and give you an adjustment.

I started to do some research and read up about your condition.  This post describes it quite accurately. 

http://www.markpieciak.com/2013/09/snapping-triceps-syndrome/

Have you seen it and followed his advice?  I think you should buy his e-book and see if it helps.

Will read up more over the weekend and see if I can find more stuff.  Very interesting topic.

Ashwin

[AntonisP]

Fransesco, yes I have tried to find those trigger points with no success whatsoever unfortunately.

Ashwin T, I bumped onto this pdf months ago however the ebook doesn't really describe the treatment in more depth but the anatomy rather. As far as the chiropractor is concerned I've already been to one, again without any relief. A visit to a different one can't be that bad though.

This is why I said in my post that I'm almost hopeless, I've come across pretty much everything I could find on the web and possibly the medical community.

If anybody knows anything else regarding this topic please don't hesitate to post it!!

[Mark H]

Not sure if this will help you but I have found taking an iron supplement (short term) gets my restless leg under control.  Also sounds like a lot going on thoracic area. I found dropping all activities and just doing Hannah Somatic exercises for a month or so was very helpful in discovering specific restrictions. Good luck.

[AntonisP]

I found some info on this post but we need more information of how to tackle this..