Tendinopathy

Request an Appointment

Diagnosis

Often a medical history and a physical exam are enough to diagnose many types of tendinopathy. Your healthcare professional may press on the affected joint and move the joint into different positions.

Sometimes your healthcare professional may use imaging tests to help with diagnosis. Imaging tests may include:

  • X-rays. This imaging test can show bone spurs or other potential causes for your pain, such as arthritis. Your healthcare professional might use X-rays to rule out other conditions that could be causing the symptoms.
  • Ultrasound. This type of imaging test uses sound waves to make images of structures within your body, such as muscles and tendons.
  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). An MRI uses radio waves and a magnetic field to create detailed images of the affected area of the body.
Request an appointment
Diagnosis & treatment
March 22, 2025
Print
  1. Tendinopathy. Dorland's Medical Dictionary Online. https://www.dorlandsonline.com. Accessed Dec. 16, 2024.
  2. Nelson FRT, et al. Musculoskeletal diseases and related terms. In: A Manual of Orthopaedic Terminology. 9th ed. Elsevier; 2023. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed Dec. 6, 2024.
  3. Tendinopathy. American Academy of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation. https://www.aapmr.org/about-physiatry/conditions-treatments/musculoskeletal-medicine/tendinopathy. Accessed Dec. 6, 2024.
  4. Rees J, et al. Tendinopathy: Overview of pathophysiology, epidemiology, and presentation. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Dec. 4, 2024.
  5. Kellerman RD, et al. Tendinopathy and bursitis. In: Conn's Current Therapy 2025. Elsevier; 2025. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed March 3, 2025.
  6. Tendinitis and tenosynovitis. Merck Manual Professional Version. https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/musculoskeletal-and-connective-tissue-disorders/bursa-muscle-and-tendon-disorders/tendinitis-and-tenosynovitis. Accessed Dec. 6, 2024.
  7. Purdam CR, et al. Tendinopathy: Overview of management. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Dec. 4, 2024.
  8. AskMayoExpert. Achilles tendinopathy. Mayo Clinic; 2023.
  9. AskMayoExpert. Bicipital tendinitis/tendinopathy. Mayo Clinic; 2024.
  10. AskMayoExpert. De Quervain tenosynovitis. Mayo Clinic; 2023.
  11. AskMayoExpert. Medial elbow tendinopathy. Mayo Clinic; 2024.
  12. AskMayoExpert. Rotator cuff tendinopathy. Mayo Clinic; 2023.
  13. AskMayoExpert. Lateral elbow tendinopathy. Mayo Clinic; 2023.
  14. Miller M, et al. Hamstring injuries. In: DeLee, Drez, & Miller's Orthopaedic Sports Medicine: Principles and Practice. 5th ed. Elsevier; 2020. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed Jan. 7, 2025.
  15. Rosenthal AK. Basic calcium phosphate (BCP) crystal-associated calcific periarthritis (tendinopathy). https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Jan. 7, 2025.
  16. Moosmayer S. Calcific tendinopathy of the shoulder. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Jan. 7, 2025.
  17. Katz JN. Greater trochanteric pain syndrome. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Jan. 7, 2025.
  18. Fields KB, et al. Hamstring muscle and tendon injuries. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Jan. 7, 2025.
  19. Cifu DX, et al., eds. Braddom's Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation. 6th ed. Elsevier; 2021. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed Jan. 7, 2025.

Tendinopathy

Advertisement

Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission.

Advertising & Sponsorship

Mayo Clinic Press

Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press.