Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) Practice Exam

The common sign of lateral epicondylitis, often referred to as "tennis elbow," during physical examination is pain with resisted wrist extension. This condition results from overuse and strain on the extensor tendons, particularly the extensor carpi radialis brevis muscle, which originates from the lateral epicondyle of the humerus.

During the physical examination, when the clinician asks the patient to extend their wrist against resistance, the involved muscles are stressed, and this typically elicits pain localized over the lateral aspect of the elbow. The characteristic pain with resisted wrist extension is a primary indicator of lateral epicondylitis, as it confirms the involvement of the extensor musculature.

While other options, such as pain with resisted wrist flexion, may cause discomfort, they are not specific to lateral epicondylitis and often relate to different pathologies involving the flexors. Swelling around the elbow and reduced grip strength can complicate the clinical picture but are not definitive signs specific to lateral epicondylitis compared to the pain experienced during resisted wrist extension.