Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
local tenderness
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "local tenderness" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in medical or health-related contexts to describe sensitivity or pain in a specific area of the body that is localized. Example: "Upon examination, the doctor noted local tenderness in the patient's abdomen, indicating a possible underlying issue."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
58 human-written examples
Fullness or mass or nodularity or pain in the pouch of Douglas, local tenderness or palpable tender nodules in cul de sac [ 8, 14, 16, 19, 30].
Science
Local tenderness: Bones will start to become tender, because of the infection damaging the bone cells.
Wiki
The physician examines the head and neck, looking especially for local tenderness or deformity and for evidence in children of enlargement of the head, which may suggest hydrocephalus.
Encyclopedias
After the greater occipital nerve was located, local tenderness was evaluated bilaterally.
Tenderness was scored on a four-point (0 3) scale at each location (local tenderness score).
Before ONB, the presence of local tenderness over the greater occipital nerve had been tested bilaterally.
SNP patients were included if they reported SNP (more than 3 months during previous year) with local tenderness or pain.
Approximately 80% of the migraine patients reported local tenderness during palpation; half of these also had referred pain to the head.
In 10 healthy subjects who received 200 pmol of nociceptin into tender non-dominant trapezius muscles in a placebo-controlled, randomized, balanced, and double-blinded design local tenderness increased (P=0.025) while no pain was noted.
Science
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
2 human-written examples
Physical examination revealed multiple stabbing wound with bleeding, local tender over wound without rebounding tenderness.
Science
Local (pain, tenderness, erythema, induration, edema, papule, blister/vesicle, scab) and systemic signs and symptoms (headache, fever, chills, malaise and/or fatigue, myalgia, arthralgia, nausea, vomiting) were solicited for 3 days.
Science
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Use "local tenderness" when referring to a specific area of pain upon touch or pressure, as opposed to general pain or discomfort.
Common error
Avoid using "local tenderness" when the pain radiates or originates from another area. "Local tenderness" describes pain directly at the point of palpation, not referred pain.
Source & Trust
80%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "local tenderness" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often used as a medical term to describe a specific symptom. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is usable in medical or health-related contexts to describe sensitivity or pain in a specific area of the body that is localized.
Frequent in
Science
95%
Encyclopedias
1%
Wiki
1%
Less common in
News & Media
1%
Formal & Business
0%
Social Media
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "local tenderness" is a frequently used noun phrase, particularly within the scientific and medical fields. It describes pain or sensitivity confined to a specific area upon touch or pressure. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used in health-related contexts. When using this term, be sure to specify the location precisely and differentiate it from referred pain. Alternative phrases include "point tenderness" or "localized pain", depending on the nuance you want to convey.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
point tenderness
Similar to "local tenderness", emphasizing the specific spot that is sensitive to pressure.
palpation tenderness
Specifies that the tenderness is detected through touch during a physical examination.
localized pain
Refers broadly to pain concentrated in a particular area, similar to tenderness but not necessarily related to touch.
circumscribed tenderness
Indicates that the tenderness is confined within defined boundaries or a limited area.
focal pain
Highlights the concentration of pain at a single point, emphasizing a precise location.
spot-specific pain
More descriptive and focuses on pinpointing the pain to a very limited area.
localized sensitivity
Emphasizes a heightened reaction to stimuli in a limited area, encompassing more than just pain.
tactile pain
Tactile means related to touch, this alternative is focusing more precisely on the pain elicited by touch.
regional sensitivity
Describes sensitivity within a larger region, rather than a precise spot.
area of discomfort
A broader term that includes any unpleasant sensation, not necessarily painful or caused by touch.
FAQs
How is "local tenderness" assessed during a physical examination?
Physicians assess "local tenderness" by palpating specific areas of the body and noting any pain or sensitivity reported by the patient. The location and intensity of the tenderness are then documented.
What does it mean if I have "local tenderness" after an injury?
"Local tenderness" after an injury often indicates inflammation, muscle damage, or bone contusion in the affected area. It's a common symptom that warrants medical evaluation to rule out more serious conditions.
What are some possible causes of "local tenderness" in the abdomen?
"Local tenderness" in the abdomen can be caused by various conditions, including appendicitis, diverticulitis, or pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). A medical examination is needed to determine the exact cause.
What's the difference between "local tenderness" and general pain?
"Local tenderness" refers to pain or sensitivity specifically at the point of touch or pressure, while general pain is a broader sensation that may not be directly related to palpation. For example, /s/localized+pain may be general, but local tenderness always reacts to touch.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
80%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested