Individuals who suffer from golfer elbow know exactly how painful it can be. Known in medical circles as medial epicondylitis, the injury is caused by repetitive stress and strain in the forearm. As the adjacent tendons grow inflamed, they cause pain at the bony juncture where muscle and tendon meet. This in turn causes pain in the inner elbow.

Golfer elbow is also known as tendonitis, which is a generic term for inflammation of the tendon. Because the muscles in the forearm are well developed through daily use, they are strong in comparison to the elbow joint, through which tendons pass. Activities that rely heavily on the muscles in the forearm (e.g., golf, certain forms of manual labor) place the tendons in the elbow at risk for excessive strain.

Golfer elbow is therefore a common repetitive stress injury that is characterized by pain in the inner elbow. In mild cases, rest and anti-inflammatory medication are enough to provide temporary symptom relief. Cooling compresses are also an excellent way to bring comfort and to reduce pain. However, in more severe cases or in cases in which rest is not possible (e.g., workplace environments), long-term intervention is required.

Interestingly, exercise is one of the most widely recommended interventions for treating golfer elbow. With the right training program, like those developed by Balance Systems, Inc., it is possible to build up the musculature that supports the nerves and tendons in the elbow. Balance in the region can be restored and the stress that creates golfer elbow can be alleviated. Take a moment to visit www.repetitive-strain.com and to read about the science behind exercise intervention for golfer elbow.