Golfer's elbow, or medical epicondilitis, affects the tendons of the finger flexor muscles at the inside of the elbow. Muscles can be strained by overuse, resulting in tiny tears in the muscles. These tiny team form scar tissue and contribute to inflammation and muscle stiffness. A diffuse, achy pain can result called myofascial pain. Painful nodules or tender spots called trigger points can also occur in overused muscles.
Trigger points can occur in almost any muscle.
When you press a sore spot, the pain can travel out to a distant area and then recede. This is called a referral pattern. The site of the trigger point is usually distant from the site of the referred pain. Muscles in the neck refer pain to the head, shoulders, upper back and hand. Muscles in the arms can refer pain to the neck, shoulders, elbows, wrists and hands.