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Medial Epicondylalgia is commonly referred to as golfers elbow and
incorrectly referred to as medial epicondylitis. Medial Epicondylalgia is a non inflammatory condition which affects the origin of the flexors of the wrist. It is thought that compression
of the flexor tendons over the medial epicondyle of the elbow
results in this degenerative tendon condition. Compression of the
tendons over the medial epicondyle results in changes in the
underlying stucture of the tendon resulting in a matrix of tendon
substance that is poorly arranged. These changes allow the ingrowth of
small blood vessels which also contain nerves into regions of the
tendon which normally do not have blood vessels. These nerves are
stimulated by using the arm and stressing the tendon with activities
such as golf. In order to decrease pain in the region specific
exercises need to be performed which cause changes in the tendon
structure through a process called mechanotransduction. In order to
resolve this issue these exercises must be performed consistantly over
extended periods normally in the region of 3-6 months.
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