Tendinopathy commonly manifests as pain with repetitive use at a specific tendon; example?

• A. Rotator cuff tendinopathy
• B. Carpal tunnel syndrome
• C. Bicipital tendinopathy
• D. Lateral epicondylitis

Answer: (D)

Tendinopathy arises from repetitive loading of a tendon, leading to degeneration and pain that worsens with use and resisted movements. The classic example is lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow), which is a tendinopathy of the common extensor tendon at the lateral elbow. It presents with localized pain and tenderness over the lateral epicondyle and pain when the wrist is extended or when gripping is resisted, reflecting the tendon’s overuse from repetitive wrist extension. This makes it the best illustration of a tendinopathy tied to a specific tendon and repetitive activity.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is nerve compression, not a tendon problem. Bicipital tendinopathy is another tendon issue but the hallmark scenario described—repetitive use affecting a specific tendon at the elbow—is most classically demonstrated by lateral epicondylitis. Rotator cuff tendinopathy involves shoulder tendons, not the example in question.