Diagnosing Tendinopathy: How Doctors Uncover the Source of Your Pain

The Clinical Examination

Diagnosis begins with a thorough clinical examination. Your doctor will take a detailed history, asking about your symptoms, activities, and any factors that worsen or relieve the pain. They'll perform a physical exam, checking for tenderness, swelling, and changes in the affected area. Range of motion and strength tests help assess the impact on function. Specific tests may be used to provoke symptoms and isolate the affected tendon.

Functional Assessment Tools

Doctors often use validated questionnaires to assess the severity of tendinopathy and its impact on function. Tools like the Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment (VISA) for Achilles or patellar tendinopathy provide standardized measures. These questionnaires help track progress over time and guide treatment decisions. They typically ask about pain levels during various activities and how the condition affects daily life.

Imaging Techniques

While not always necessary, imaging can be valuable in confirming diagnosis and ruling out other conditions. Ultrasound is often the first choice, as it's non-invasive and can show tendon thickening, areas of degeneration, and increased blood flow. MRI provides detailed images of the tendon and surrounding structures, helpful for assessing more complex cases. X-rays may be used to check for calcifications or bone spurs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Key Takeaways

Accurate diagnosis combines clinical skills, patient history, and sometimes advanced imaging for optimal treatment planning.

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