Exams and Tests

To diagnose a tendon injury (also known as tendinopathy), your health professional will review your medical history and daily activities and conduct a physical examination to check your overall health, areas of pain and tenderness, and range of motion and strength. Your examination may also include checking your nerve function (feeling and reflexes) and blood circulation (pulses). If your symptoms are related to use of a tool or sports equipment, your health professional may want you to demonstrate how you use it.

If your medical history and physical exam indicate a tendon injury, you will probably not need more testing.

If your symptoms are severe or have not improved with treatment, additional tests may be helpful. These may include:

• X-rays, which can show any bone-related problems or calcification in tendons or joint structures.
• MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), which can show small tears and areas of tendon, ligament, cartilage, and muscle injury.
• Ultrasound, which can show thickening, swelling, or tears in soft tissues such as the bursae and tendons.