Which statement best matches tennis elbow?

• A. Gradual onset pain on the outside of the elbow aggravated by twist/grasp
• B. Occurs suddenly with violent elbow flexion
• C. Pain is only in the shoulder
• D. Pain in the wrist and fingers only

Answer: (A)

Tennis elbow is a lateral epicondylitis from overuse of the wrist extensor tendons. The hallmark is gradual onset pain on the outer elbow that is aggravated by twisting the forearm or gripping—precisely the description of external elbow pain worsened by twist or grasp. This reflects tendinopathy at the origin of the common extensor muscles, typically worsened by resisted wrist extension or grip, and often tender over the lateral epicondyle. It isn’t usually caused by an acute, violent injury, and it doesn’t present as pain confined to the shoulder or solely in the wrist and fingers.