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.