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 Region 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 localized 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!

Baker's cyst behind knee and calf pain

I’ve had a Baker’s cyst behind my right knee, caused by an injury, for 4 years.

It is excruciatingly painful. I received cortisone injections every 3 months to ease the pain, but to no avail. Luckily, I stumbled upon your website. I put one behind my knee and one on the front of my calf. To my surprise, the swelling was greatly reduced by the next morning!

I would absolutely recommend the OSMO patch to anyone with this problem because I truly believe it works wonders.

I am extremely grateful for your product and I hope for many others to experience the relief I have as a result of using your OSMO patches.

Wayne S
New Jersey, United States
Hip bursitis

Hi Toky,

I have received my patches and used one last night on my hip. It’s an absolute miracle!!

I have been suffering on and off for 3 years with Bursitis on my left hip. My GP has given me cortisone injections and anti-inflammatories, both of which have given some relief but not lasted and certainly not to this effect. I am due to have physio in the near future also.

I appreciate it has not cured the cause, but at least now I can work on that without the constant pain, and worse off all the lack of sleep.

A big thank you

Debbie S
East Sussex, United Kingdom
General Bursitis

Hi Toky, Just received patches this afternoon. Thank you for the prompt service. I am pleased we found you on the internet. The product does help Warm regards

Colleen O
NSW, Australia
Ankle and hips (trochanter bursitis)

Thank you very much.

I have used the patches on three areas with amazing results. One was on my ankle, 12 hours later the pain was completely resolved. The other two were on my hips for greater trochanter bursitis.

Both hips feel not completely pain-free, but a dramatic difference.

So thank you, and I have to say I am amazed.

Mandi D
NSW, Australia
Swollen elbow almost half the size of a tennis bal

After noticing a swollen lump on my elbow almost half the size of a tennis ball, I visited my doctor who explained it was a bursa and could be drained but would likely re-occur. Like others, I found your website and decided to “give it a go” although being a little skeptical.

While waiting, my doctor drained it by needle, but it re-filled within 3-4 days as predicted. When the patches arrived, I immediately used them with skepticism. The next morning, I could not believe my eyes, it was covered with similar fluid as the doctor had removed and again after 3 more.

My elbow is now back to normal, and I have no hesitation in recommending them to anyone with similar problems.

Brian L
Auckland, New Zealand
Elbow Bursitis

The OSMO Patch worked great for my wife’s elbow bursitis,

I’ve placed another order through the website, a work colleague was just diagnosed with hip bursitis and I’ve recommended OSMO Patch.

Fantastic product.

Jackson P
TN, United States
Baker's cyst on the back of knee

Thank you, this is my second round of patches.

First, I had a baker’s cyst on the back of my knee, used 6 patches, pain and cyst GONE!

Have had no problems since. So, I gave the rest to a friend. He said his went away but only used 4, so wants to try more, and I have had something come up on my wrist, going to try patches. Will see what happens.

Susanne M.
Missouri, United States
Joint Pain & Swollen Knee

I haven’t been able to walk for 7 months due to a knee injury, but these combined with my new pool exercises have made a big improvement to flexibility and swelling. Much appreciated! Kind Regards

Tracy B
Somerst, UK
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