Tendon Injury (Tendinopathy)

To diagnose a tendon injury (also known as tendinopathy), your doctor will review your medical history and daily activities and conduct a physical exam to check your overall health, areas of pain and tenderness, and range of motion and strength. Your exam 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 doctor may want you to demonstrate how you use it.

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

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

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

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