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!

Shoulder Bursitis

I have worn the patch for 2 months and it has drained the fluid out of shoulder and reduced the pain significantly.

Steve R
TX, United States
Knee problems

Dear Toky,

Some time ago I corresponded with you and was duly sent 10 patches to try for bursitis of the knee. As I am a Carmelite Nun, our life is dedicated to prayer so kneeling is rather important!! I kept off the knee for a long time before trying the patches and found it helped to ease the condition, however, it still felt painful to kneel.

After using the first night, sure enough, there were signs fluid had been drawn off. The second night the same. The area became flat and normal. I have gingerly begun kneeling again with knee pads. However, I have noticed there is now no pain and the knee looks perfectly normal.

This was a couple of weeks ago, and I thought I would give it a good go to make sure before informing you of the patches’ success! So that is good news, and I am delighted.

I would also like to mention that your attitude to your customers is exemplary and obviously sincere. I am very grateful and will certainly recommend them.

Thanks, Every blessing

Carmelite Sister (Sr)
Carmelite Monastery, Christchurch, New Zealand
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 (Achilles Bursitis)

About 2 years ago I developed bursitis on my right ankle which was extremely painful. I tried traditional physio, ultrasound, laser, and stretching to no avail.

I discovered the OSMO Patch website and decided to keep an open mind and try the OSMO Patch.

After all those months of continuous pain, much to my surprise, I experienced a significant improvement such that I can now walk several kilometers, and am not in constant pain all day long! I have now ordered a 3rd set of Patches, and am sure these will end the problem entirely.

Dave Livingstone
British Columbia, Canada
Bursitis in heel

Dear Wonderful Mediwise Pty. Ltd.

My brother bought your patches for the bursitis in my heel.

After the first patch on Tuesday, I saw no results. After the second patch, I was actually worse. Then while wearing the third patch yesterday, I was thrilled to see improvement…so much so that I cancelled the appointment that I had with the doctor…scheduled for today!

Now I’m using the fifth patch, and of course am anxious to see what the end of today will bring.

Sincerely.

Judy B
Georgia, United States
Hip problems

Hi,

I had a sore hip muscle at the back of my hip. The Dr. said we will drain the fluid out then give you a Cortisone shot. I said no way my hip was so sore it was painful sitting and going up stairs.

I ordered your patches and the first night they came I applied it, the next morning the powder was hard, I guess from being wet. As soon as I stood on it, no PAIN, I woke up my wife and said it works.

It is still a little sore, when you sit. But it’s 99% better.

Ray W
Ontario, Canada
Knee Bursitis

Hello Jasmine,

I just wanted to say that my husband has been using the patches for a few days now and they have definitely made a difference to his knee.

I have brought some more from one of your UK stockists, The Health Workshop, and they, like you, could not have been more helpful.

Thank you!

Pamela A
Welshpool Powys, United Kingdom
Bursitis of the elbow, knee swelling & leg cramps

My husband healed his bursitis of the elbow with your patches. –

They are amazing, and he is now using 2 patches on each knee at night for knee swelling, and it seems to give him amazing relief from cramps in his legs that kept him awake throughout every night for years.

He has used everything from niacin to bars of ivory soap between the sheets.

Sheila W
Connecticut, United States
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