[Judoreturner]

I was diagnosed with tenosynovitis and wanted to share the etymology of this condition. I am not sure what really was the cause of it, but I think that it could have resulted from my exaggerated weightlifting for the past year. I knew that I was overdoing my weightlifting program, but never imagined that it would lead me to this awful pain in my right shoulder. It's been now five months since I noticed that something was wrong with my shoulder and my condition has improved slightly. But my shoulder is actually immobilized. One of my doctors even suggested that I should stay away from judo forever. Has anyone here suffered from this condition? Your input will be appreciated.


Tenosynovitis


Definition
Tenosynovitis is an inflammation of the tenosynovium, a sheath that covers tendons. Tendons are the cords that connect bones to muscles in the body. Tenosynovitis can occur in any tendon with a synovial sheath. However, it most often occurs in the hand, wrist, or foot. Usually this condition can easily be treated; contact your doctor if you think you may have tenosynovitis.
Tenosynovitis

Causes
Most cases of tenosynovitis are caused by one of the following:
Injury
Infection
Strain
Repetitive motions
Computer operation
Assembly line work
Cash register operation
Sports that involve repetitive actions (weightlifting)
Sewing
Playing musical instruments

Risk Factors
Tendinitis usually occurs in middle or old age (probably more than 40), as the tendons become more susceptible to injury. However, it also occurs in younger people who exercise vigorously (who may develop rotator cuff tendinitis (see Sports Injuries: Rotator Cuff Tendinitis) and in people who perform repetitive tasks.
If you perform repetitive actions with your hand, wrist, or foot for work or play, you may be at an increased risk of developing tenosynovitis. Diseases such as gout and rheumatoid arthritis can contribute to the swelling of tendon sheaths.
The infections that cause some cases of tenosynovitis occur more often in people with the following conditions:
Diabetes
IV drug abuse
Compromised immune systems
Symptoms

If you experience any of these symptoms, do not assume it is due to tenosynovitis. These symptoms may be caused by other conditions. If you experience any one of them, see your physician. Symptoms of tenosynovitis include:
Joint pain
Joint stiffness
Joint swelling
Difficulty moving a joint
Finger sticking in a bent position ( trigger finger )
Pain and stiffness in the wrist on the thumb side ( de Quervain’s tenosynovitis )

Diagnosis
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. The physical exam may include:
Asking you to move the affected joint
Feeling the joint and along the involved tendon
A blood test may also be performed to look for signs of bacterial infection or other conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis. For certain types of tenosynovitis, your doctor may refer you to a hand specialist.

Treatment
Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. The goals of treatment for tenosynovitis are to reduce swelling and pain and to allow the tendon to move freely through the tendon sheath. Treatment options include the following:
Rest
Stopping movement in the joint, sometimes with the help of a brace or splint, is often the best treatment for tenosynovitis. Rest may be combined with stretching and strengthening exercises for the muscles attached to the tendon.
Medications
Several medications are used to treat tenosynovitis. These include:
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to help reduce inflammation and pain:
Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)
Naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn)
Corticosteroids, given as an injection into the tenosynovium, a thin tissue that covers the tendons
Antibiotics, if your doctor finds that your tenosynovitis was caused by an infection
For severe cases of tenosynovitis, surgery may be used to release the tendon and allow it to move freely within its sheath.

Prevention
The most important action you can take to prevent tenosynovitis is to avoid overuse of your tendons. If you have a job or hobby that involves repetitive motions of the hand, wrist, or foot, you can take the following steps:
Adjust your workspace to minimize the strain on your joints
Alternate activities when possible
Take breaks throughout the day
Exercise regularly

References: http://www.upmc.com/...chunkiid=100264
http://www.merck.com...074/ch074e.html