Tendonitis is most often diagnosed by evaluating factors that indicate muscular overuse. Tendonitis often will develop when you suddenly increase your level of activity without adequate training or conditioning. This occurs frequently in occupational and recreational settings.

In addition to evaluating factors that are likely to lead to tendonitis, your doctor may use several physical examination procedures. Most tendons are near the surface of the skin and can be easily touched or pressed in order to make a diagnosis. Pressure placed directly on these tendons is likely to cause discomfort. In addition, your doctor may ask you to contract the muscle attached to the tendon, usually against resistance, to see if this causes pain.