Bursitis Information

Last reviewed on 16 January 2024 by Danniel Jacques (B.Med.Sci UNSW)

What is Bursitis?

Bursitis Treatment OSMO PatchBursitis is the irritation and inflammation of a bursa. A bursa is a small lubricated balloon like sac found throughout the body. These sacs help bones and tendons to articulate and glide over each other by reducing friction and irritation.

The bursae contain a small amount of lubricating fluid within them known as ‘synovial fluid’. These sacs are located around joints and other moving parts of the body, such as the shoulder, elbow, foot, hip, knee and ankle.

The bursae act like cushions while also reducing friction between sliding tendons and bones. Occasionally a bursa will be subjected to ongoing stress or a sudden trauma. When this occurs it usually results in an inflamed bursa that fills with fluid. This condition is known as BURSITIS and can be the cause of considerable discomfort and pain.

What Causes Bursitis?

There are a number of possible causes of bursitis and these include overuse and repetitive strain, a sudden impact injury,  several autoimmune diseases as well as other disorders. In many cases there will already be pre-existing age related degenerative changes in the joint that make an individual more susceptible to inflammation and subsequent episodes of bursitis.

There is an increased risk in developing bursitis for individuals working in some physical jobs or participating in regular sports. This is due to placing repetitive stress and strain on their joints, which increases their risk of developing bursitis. An example of this would be a carpenter developing knee bursitis or a golfer, elbow bursitis.

Identifying the cause of the bursitis is important as this may help with the treatment of the condition. For example, identifying the cause may allow you to eliminate or avoid an activity that initially led to the condition.

What Parts of the Body can Bursitis Affect?

What are the Symptoms of Bursitis?

The signs and symptoms of bursitis can vary from individual to individual depending on the degree of inflammation and will normally include localised pain and tenderness.

An extremely inflamed bursa may also result in visible swelling that appears as a lump. Visible swelling is a particularly common symptom of both knee and elbow bursitis that may cause joint stiffness and extreme pain when weight or pressure is applied to that affected joint.

(Diagnosis of bursitis should always be confirmed by a qualified doctor prior to starting any treatment and will often require an ultrasound).

How is Bursitis Diagnosed?

It is always best to visit a qualified medical professional if you suspect that you have bursitis in order to get a proper diagnosis before starting any treatment.

While many areas of bursitis can be assessed by a physical and visual examination it is still best to have an ultrasound to properly confirm the diagnosis. Your doctor may also feel that additional images or tests, such as an MRI, X-Ray and/or blood tests, are required to rule out other possible causes or co-existing conditions.

Next Page: Learn the answers to the most common questions asked about treating bursitis, including:

Testimonials

Real accounts by real people. Hear what they have to say!

General Bursitis

Hi Toky, I wish to say that I have found the patches to be a great benefit to me and have had more relief from them that I have had with any other treatment including 4 cortisone injections.  You are quite welcome to give my testimony to any prospective user and, if necessary, they can […]

Val G
NSW, Australia
General Bursitis

Hi, I ordered these patches for my father 6 weeks ago also…. They do work.  Thank you.  I have ordered more today.  Please post a.s.a.p. 

Jaskarn S
Peterborough, United Kingdom
General Bursitis

Thank you very much.  I used the patches from a previous order for 10 days and they helped a lot. I am hoping that by continuing to use them, my condition with bursitis will be completely cleared up. I will let you know the results.

Nancy K
South Carolina, United States
Baker's cyst

Hi Just a quick note that I feel I needed to write about the OSMO Patches. In September I tripped over while running and fell on my knee which left me with a fractured bone at the back of my knee which in turn ruptured my cruciate ligament. Although back on track now after various […]

Kim C
South Yorkshire, United Kingdom
Baker's cyst

Hello! I wanted to write to let you know that I truly feel that a combination of your OSMO patches and infrared laser treatments on my knee have nearly cured my knee.  I had a probable torn miniscus, and had developed a baker’s cyst behind the knee from the injury.  I am a very active […]

Linda M
Michigan, United States
Knee swelling and Pain

Hi Jasmine, After several years my wife finally tried your patch…she is a convert. Thanks for your continued help.

Don C
FL, United States
Joint Pain

They work so well for my husband I placed another double order yesterday so I have them on hand when he needs them. The patches are the only thing that has ever given him relief.

Ann W
SC, United States
Trochanteric Bursitis

Dear Toky,

I wanted to let you know that the Bursitis Patches have worked on my Trochanteric Bursitis.

I cannot believe it. I do not have the pain or swelling there that I have had before. It is very cool. I just wanted to let you know that, also.

We will see if it flares up again. Thanks so much for answering my questions and caring about my daughter, also. It will stay with me for a long time.

May you feel blessed and loved. Have a great day!! Take Care!!

Jennifer P
Sunnyvale, United States
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