Tennis Elbow (cont.)

Medical Author:

Vikhyat Bebarta, MD

Coauthor:

Christopher Colwell, MD

Medical Editor:

Scott H Plantz, MD, FAAEM

Medical Editor:

Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD

Medical Editor:

James Ungar, MD

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.