Diagnosis of:

Epicondylitis (tennis and golfer's elbow)

Medical professionals will be able to assess, test and diagnose whether you have tennis elbow or golfer's elbow through a variety of processes.

To begin with, they will gather a medical history about you and your current condition and symptoms. They will inquire about the intensity of your present pain, the duration of your symptoms and the limitations you are experiencing (i.e. does it hurt when you move your wrist). Details about what instigated the problem, when it started, and whether or not you have ever had treatments for this or a similar condition in the past, are very helpful in assessing your injury.

A physical examination will be performed to determine if you have any signs of tennis elbow, golfer's elbow or other elbow injuries. They will visually assess and palpate (feel) the bones and soft tissue in both your elbows to evaluate symmetry and recognize differences. This will identify any abnormalities, such as mild or severe inflammation (redness, warmth, swelling, pain or dysfunction), bone deformity, and atrophied muscles. You will generally be asked to complete a series of elbow, wrist, finger or forearm movements to test possible elbow injuries, as well as your range of motion, muscle strength, joint stability and location of tenderness.

An X-ray can assist your doctor in eliminating other causes of elbow pain, such as arthritis or a fracture, however it is often not required. Rarely are more complex diagnostic tests requested; occasionally an EMG (electromyography) or nerve studies will be recommended if more information is needed.