What Is Bursitis? Causes, Symptoms & Diagnosis Explained!

Last reviewed on 25 October 2025 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

Hello My name is Rose Cochrane I purchased your bursitis patches, and I would like to tell you that I had tremendous relief from your patches. I have also spread the word told my doctor, and my cousin who has just purchased your patches, her name is Lorraine XXXX. Thank you so much. I will […]

Rose C
QLD, Australia
General Bursitis

Hi, Just a feedback on the patches. I was certainly won over by them. Great product and would recommend them. Merry Xmas to all. Regards

Dawn T
VIC, Australia
General Bursitis

Thank you for the bursitis patches.  My husband has used them every night for 7 days and it is almost completely gone. He feels really good about it. Best regards,

Emmanuella G
New Jersey, United States
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
Hip bursitis

Hi, My 81-year-old mother has been suffering from hip bursitis for several years.

She got some relief from regular corticosteroid injections. However, the last time she had this treatment, the injection was not carried out properly and she was in agony for several days. Consequently, she has been frightened to receive this treatment again, and the pain was getting progressively worse. She had not been sleeping and could not walk far.

I found the OSMO website and thought I’d give it a go. My mum has just completed the first course of 10 patches, and she has a completely new lease of life. It really is amazing how quickly this treatment has had an effect. She has been sleeping much better and walked further at the weekend than she has for many months. I have ordered a further 20 patches. Many thanks.

David P
Glasgow, United Kingdom
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
Elbow bursitis

Great product!

I have to admit when I first applied the patch I was a bit skeptical, but after the first application the swelling in my elbow was greatly reduced and after about six applications the swelling was completely gone!

I have been free of bursitis for several months!

Ronald
United States
Elbow Bursitis

Hi,

Patches were amazing only needed 2 to get my very fluid swollen elbow to go significantly down.

This was after 3 weeks of no other solution so VERY VERY HAPPY.

Many thanks!

Gavin P
Langford Bristol, UK
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