Exams and Tests

Your doctor may use any or all of the following to diagnose tennis elbow:

• In taking your medical history, the doctor may ask you questions about your activity level, occupation, recent recreational activities, medications, and other medical problems.
  
  
• During the physical exam, your doctor will feel your elbow and possibly other joints. Your nerves, muscles, bones, and skin are also examined.
  
  
• X-ray images may be required if the symptoms suggest another problem in the elbow joint.
  
  
• Nerve studies may need to be done to look for entrapment of the radial nerve in the elbow joint (radial tunnel syndrome) if your symptoms continue despite aggressive treatment.
  
  
• It is unlikely your doctor will need to perform blood tests, a CT scan, or an MRI to make the diagnosis.