Which of the following is true regarding tennis elbow?

• A. The pain is on the outside of the elbow and may radiate to forearm
• B. The pain is exclusively in the inner elbow
• C. The pain is only at night
• D. The pain is not affected by movement

Answer: (A)

Tennis elbow is lateral epicondylitis, a tendinous overuse injury at the outer elbow. The pain sits on the outside of the elbow and may radiate down the forearm because the extensor tendons (especially the extensor carpi radialis brevis) attach near the lateral epicondyle and are stressed with wrist extension and gripping. This explains why the statement describing pain on the outside of the elbow with potential forearm radiation is the best choice.

Pain in the inner elbow would point to medial epicondylitis (golfer’s elbow). Pain that occurs only at night isn’t typical for tennis elbow, and the condition usually worsens with movement—especially with wrist extension or resisted gripping—so pain not affected by movement isn’t accurate.