Which condition is commonly referred to as tennis elbow?

Tennis elbow, medically known as lateral epicondylitis, is a condition that arises from overuse or strain of the muscles and tendons in the forearm, leading to pain and inflammation around the elbow joint. The term "epicondylitis" specifically refers to the inflammation of the epicondyle, which is the bony prominence on the outside of the elbow. This condition is commonly seen in individuals who participate in repetitive arm activities, like tennis playing, which is why it has gained the colloquial name "tennis elbow."

While osteoarthritis refers to degeneration of joint cartilage and the underlying bone, tendinitis generally denotes inflammation of a tendon, and carpal tunnel syndrome involves pressure on the median nerve in the wrist, none of these conditions specifically describe the localized inflammation and pain associated with the outer elbow that characterizes tennis elbow. Thus, epicondylitis is the most accurate term to describe this condition.