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!

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
General Bursitis

Hi Toky Just letting you know that I received my patches on Tuesday.  I used them on Tuesday and Wednesday night and have had a wonderful result, with the bursitis basically disappearing. Thank you so much, having no pain is wonderful. Regards

Kerry L
QLD, Australia
General Bursitis

Hello, I had used these patches and sceptical at first am totally convinced and they do work. Thanks

Gerald P
Florida, United States
Bursa in elbow

Thank you so much for your attention and immediate response to my e-mail.

About 9 months ago I slipped on a ladder and banged my elbow which resulted in a bursa sac; This was the first time ever, but about two months ago it happened again. Your patches worked great both times. They significantly reduced my recovery time.

Thanks again!

Kent A
Florida, United States
Shoulder Bursitis

I had a sudden case of Shoulder Bursitis, in fact, the Orthopaedic Surgeon said it was the most severe and immediate he had seen in years. He gave cortisone shot and Rx Narcotics that barely cut the pain. No sleep as pain worse at night. In my desperation for relief I searched the internet to […]

T. Mule
Colorado, United States
General Bursitis

Dear Toky I have used the 10 patches and I have felt significant improvement, albeit not a total cure at this point. But, the Radiologist did tell me my bursitis was as bad as the man who came off a motorbike and his is the worst case they have seen. Please note I have shared […]

Gail W
WA, Australia
Trochanteric Bursitis

Hello Jordan,

Thank you for your informative reply, I shall take notice of the hints and tips in your e-mail and will apply them during the treatment of my wife’s Trochanteric Bursitis.

It may interest you to know of the progress with the OSMO patches. Days 1 to 4 a small reduction in the swelling in the thigh. Days 4 to 7 a further reduction in swelling but no reduction in pain. Days 8 to 9 swelling almost gone and a big reduction in pain. We now await delivery of our second box of patches and hope the improvement continues.

Thanks for your assistance.

Brian M
Lancs, UK
Bursitis in shoulder & elbow

Hi, I have had bursitis in my right shoulder for more than 3 years, after about 6 months of physio, I still have a lot of pain. About 14 months ago I developed bursitis in the left shoulder and elbow, which causes me very disturbed sleeps, I had treatment with an Osteopath, the pain subsided only temporarily

I have used 9 of your patches, 2 on my elbow and the rest on my shoulder, the improvement in my shoulder has been amazing, I still have a lot of pain but the movement has improving so much that I don’t hesitate in getting dressed as previously just pulling a T-shirt over my head was painful.

Thank you so much and I hope more people find your website. What a blessing.

Tessa L
VIC, Australia
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