Which term is the medical name for tennis elbow?

• A. Jumper's elbow.
• B. Lateral epicondylitis.
• C. Golfer's elbow.
• D. Medial epicondylitis.

Answer: (B)

Tennis elbow refers to pain and tenderness at the outer part of the elbow from overuse of the forearm tendons. The precise medical name for this condition is lateral epicondylitis. The term breaks down to lateral (outer) epicondyle, where the tendons attach, and -itis indicating inflammation or degeneration of those tendons—often the extensor carpi radialis brevis with repetitive wrist extension. So, this name directly describes both the location and the tissue involved, which is why it’s the correct medical terminology for tennis elbow.

Jumper’s elbow is a common nickname for tennis elbow, used in everyday language. Golfer’s elbow, by contrast, affects the inner elbow and is medically known as medial epicondylitis. Medial epicondylitis is the medical name for golfer’s elbow.