Q. What is a bursa sac?
A. A bursa sac is a very important compartment found throughout our body. It can be thought of like a flat balloon with a small amount of oil in the middle. Imagine now that these balloons sit between areas of the body that move against each other, (such as within joints) and you can see how this would allow minimal friction and ware on the bones and cartilage by allowing a smooth gliding effect to occur.

Of cause the bursa is not actually a balloon, in fact the bursa sac is actually made up of a special type of tissue called synovial tissue which is extremely vascularized and allows the regulated movement of water and small molecules in and out of the inner space of the bursa. The oily substance in the center of the burs sac that provides the gliding effect is called Synovial fluid. A major component of normal healthy synovial fluid is Hyaluronic Acid (HA), a long chain molecule which gives synovial fluid its viscosity and gliding effect, but which is not readily able to be transported or lost across the synovial tissue.

Q What is Baker's Cyst (Bursitis) and how is it treated?
A. A Baker's Cyst is a form of Bursitis located behind or about the knee joint and is classified as a soft tissue injury and it is the condition that occurs when the bursa sac in this region become inflamed. This can occur due to a number of reasons such as; a repetitive injury, an impact injury, sports injury or because of an underlying inflammatory condition such as arthritis.

Because the synovial tissue of the bursa sac (See: What is a bursa sac?) is very permeable to water and small molecules, instantly following injury to a joint where there is a bursa sac, there will be an immediate acute inflammatory response which will result in the bursa filling with inflammatory fluid (water and inflammatory molecular mediators), together with some as well as a local cellular response.

Initial treatment of Soft tissue injuries (STIs) are based on the principles of R.I.C.E (rest, ice, compression, and elevation) and Avoid H.A.R.M (Heat, Alcohol, Reinjury. These are said to be most important in the 48-72 hours following the injury (1).

STIs often result in bleeding and tissue damage followed by an inflammatory phase which is an essential component of the tissue repair (2). Although the inflammatory process is vital to the process of healing, if it is prolonged it can cause further swelling, which can then be detrimental to the healing process (2). The purpose of R.I.C.E is to minimize the amount bleeding and leakage of inflammatory mediators into the affected tissue in order to reduce the degree of swelling and associated pain. If swelling is minimized early, this should aid the injury to resolve faster and may also result in a lower incident and risk for complications (2).

Following an STI there is a release of prostaglandins and histamines into the injured area. Damaged capillaries leak cellular waste (water, dissolved electrolytes and proteins) into the surrounding tissue (2). White blood cells are then sent to the area to remove damaged tissue. Once the process starts, fluids build in the intercellular spaces causing oedematous swelling. A reduction in swelling is often associated with a reduction in pain. This may be due to the decrease in pressure and/or a reduction in pain mediators within the associated tissue.

Whilst the body has intrinsic mechanisms to remove oedema via re-absorption, it does not always do this efficiently, which can then lead to a prolonged healing process, ongoing pain and the possibility of chronic inflammation followed by scar tissue formation (2). In Addition there are other factors which may also lend to delayed healing. These may include non-compliance with R.I.C.E in the initial 48-72 hrs, or an injury sustained in a region which may not easily allow for adequate support or rest.

In such situations as describe above, the use of NSAIDs or steroids are often recommended in order to reduce and control the level of inflammation, swelling and associated pain. Regretfully not all individuals respond well to treatment with these classes of medications. Furthermore, there are also contraindications and risks associated with each of these classes of medications.

1. Vic Gov DHS, (2008), Soft Tissue Injuries (Sprains and Strains) Fact Sheet http://www.health.vic.gov.au/edfactsheets/softtissue-injury.pdf
2. Kumar V, et al. (2005). Robbins Basic Pathology 7th edition, (Chapter 2) W.B. Saunders Company: 33-59

The following extract is from the Victorian Government better health website regarding the treatment for bursitis;

“Treatment
Treatment will depend on the cause of the bursitis. Treatment aims to alleviate the symptoms as much as possible while the healing process takes place. Options may include pain-killing drugs, cold packs, gentle mobilising exercises and rest. Anti-inflammatory medications or injections of corticosteroids may be used in cases of severe pain.

If infection is present, there is usually warmth, redness, pain and swelling in the affected areas. Treatment with an appropriate antibiotic is necessary. If the bursitis was triggered by overuse, it is important to avoid the particular activity.

Correct posture and joint protection are useful and braces or splints can decrease the stress on the areas and support good alignment. After an acute attack, it is important to consider how recurrences can be prevented.”(3)

3. http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Bursitis?open

Q. Do you guarantee that your patches will cure my condition?
A. It is important to understand that our patches should not be thought of as a cure for bursitis as there may be underlying causes that continue to set off the condition, such as inflammatory disease (arthritis for example) and excessive or repetitive strain to the area just to name a few. Instead the patches are a natural alternative treatment option to the current invasive treatment options that exist. They are intended to help the area heal by naturally draining the excess fluids as well as promoting blood flow to the area. Assuming that there is no underlying inflammatory disease It will then be up to the person being treated to adequately rest the area and to identify and if possible avoid any physical or repetitive activities to allow full recover.

Q. Can I use the patches if there is an infection or an open wound present in the area?
A. No. it is very important to have doctor examine your injury if there is an infection present or an open wound. Your doctor will likely prescribe antibiotics in the situation that there is an infection.

Q. How often do I use the patches?
A. The patches are worn during the night and discarded in the morning (single use). Usually one patch is worn each night (approx 8-10hrs) over the affected area, although more than one may be worn if required.

Q. How long do I use the patches for, i.e. how many patches will I need?
A. It is impossible to know honestly how many patches you shall need as everybody’s condition is different. Some of our customers find total relief from 1 or 2 boxes of 10 packs and we also do have several customers with chronic conditions that use the patches for temporary pain relief on a need to basis as they have underlying conditions that continue to cause flare-ups’.

Q. Are the ingredients 100% natural?
A. Yes, the ingredients in the patches are made from 100% natural products.

Q. What are the ingredients of the patch?
A. Whilst the actual ingredients are a company trade secret*, the patches are made to strict GMP standards. There is however the crustacean by-product ‘carapace powder’ within the ingredients, so if you are allergic to shellfish or seafood then the patches should not be used.

Please note that labelling laws do not require a medical device to list ingredients other than ingredients that may interact with other medications or may be considered a known allergen.

Q. Is there latex or PVC used in the adhesives?
A. Yes. The adhesive used to hold the patches in place is made from natural rubber latex, Poly Vinyl Chloride (PVC) and Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS). If you know that you are allergic to adhesives or any of the ingredients mentioned then you should not use the adhesives. If you still wish to use the patches you may consider investigating purchasing your own low irritant adhesives from a pharmacy or alternatively you can use a bandage as an alternative to hold the patch in place.

Furthermore, it is worth noting that all of the ingredients within the patch are natural, there are no drugs or hormones within our patches. They do not work by releasing active ingredients into the body but instead work by drawing fluid out of the body.

Q. Do the patches contain any seafood or shell fish derivatives?
A. Yes. The patches contain the crustacean by-product ‘carapace powder’, so if you are allergic to shellfish or seafood then the patches should not be used.

Q. What happens if I get a rash from using the patches or adhesives?
A. Do not panic, whilst it is very uncommon for this to occur, it can happen. This is normally due an irritation or allergic reaction to the adhesives which the individual was not previously aware that they had. If this happens, simply discontinue use and the rash will generally clear within 2-3 days. We do recommend cutting and trying a small test strip of the adhesive prior to use.

Q. Are there any medications in the patches?
A. No. There are absolutely no drugs, hormones or any type of medications in the patches.

Q. Can the patches be used by people on blood thinners such as warfarin?
A. Yes. Our patches are completely natural and do not interact with any other medications. They can be used by diabetics and individuals using blood thinners such as Warfarin.

Q. Can the patches be used by diabetic or people on cholesterol lowering medication (statins)?
A. Yes. Our patches are completely natural and do not interact with any other medications. They can be used by diabetics and individuals using diabetic or people on cholesterol lowering medication (statins).

Q. Can I use the patches on my child?
A. The patches have not been evaluated on children and hence we do not recommend using the patches on children under 10 years of age.

Q. Can I place the patches on any part of my body?
A. The patches can be worn over most areas where there is inflammation or pain; however you should not apply the patch directly to the eyes, mucous membranes, genitals, anus, external wounds or rashes.

Q. Can I use the patches whilst pregnant or breast feeding?
A. The patches have not been evaluated for use on pregnant women or whilst breast feeding and hence we do not recommend using the patches during pregnancy or during breastfeeding.

Q. Why should I use your patches instead of other treatments or medications that are available?
A. There are many treatment and medication options available, and you should do what you feel is best for you. Our product has been developed for;
- For individuals that have tried other treatment options without successes,
- For individuals that cannot take anti-inflammatory medications due to gastro-intestinal irritation,
- For individuals that cannot take anti-inflammatory medications due to contraindications with other medications, and
- For individually that prefer to take a natural and non-invasive approach to their treatment.

Q. I took the patches off in the morning and they where only a little bit wet or totally dry, am I doing something wrong?
A. The patches can vary in the amount of fluid seen after removing from individual to individual, however please remember that the patches work in 2 ways. Firstly by stimulating blood flow to the area whilst also inducing healing, and secondly by removing excess fluid. This is why it is best to concentrate on how the actual area is improving rather than the visual appearance of the patches.
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It is important that the patches are making very good contact with the skin. The patches should be applied just before bed (over the cyst at the back of the knee), otherwise they can become loose and lose contact with the skin. Also walking around a lot can make the powder collect at the bottom of the patch. The powder should be evenly spread before applying the patch.

Some people have reported that the patches work better if a fine mist of water is sprayed on the skin first before the patch is applied as it helps the patch to make good contact (dry the area of skin that the adhesive is to stick if you use this approach).

I hope this information has been helpful. Please let us know if this does not help.

Q. What are the conditions of your No Questions asked Money back Guarantee?
A. Like any treatment, unfortunately there will always be some individuals that our patches will not help. There may be several reasons for this such as; not resting the injury and continuing to induce repetitive stress and inflame the area, the patches may have been applied incorrectly or if the injury is chronic there may already be scar tissue formed over the area that is blocking the drainage process or causing continued flare-ups.

Regardless of the reason we do understand that such a situation is extremely disappointing and hence why we have put together our No Questions asked Money back Guarantee

We will allow you to try as many as 5 patches and if after this time you honestly feel that the patches have not offered you any relief or help from your condition then just email us within 45 Days of ordering the patches and you will be entitled to our No Questions asked Money back Guarantee. This is a 100% full refund on the purchase price (less postage costs).

We shall then provide you with a return address and authorization number and once we receive the balance of the unused patches we shall immediately issue you with a full refund (less postage).

Please note, as you can hopefully understand this Guarantee does not apply to re-orders.

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We hope that these questions and answers have been helpful, and should you decide to try our patches we do sincerely hope that they will offer you some relief.

Wishing you good health

CUSTOMER CARE

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* Our patches are registered as a Medical Device and are manufactured under strict GMP guide lines. The contents of the patches are formulated from 100% natural products and contain no prescription ingredients.

* The above testimonials have been supplied freely and without any enticements and whilst they represent very good results, such results may not be possible in all cases. It is important to understand that we do not promote our patches as a cure since there may be underlying causes that continue to set off the condition, such as inflammatory disease (arthritis for example) and excessive or repetitive strain to the area just to name a few. Instead the patches are a natural alternative treatment option to the current invasive treatment options that exist. They are intended to relieve pain whilst attempting to help the area heal, by naturally draining the excess fluids as well as promoting blood flow to the area. For best results it is important for the person being treated to adequately rest the area and to identify and if possible avoid any physical or repetitive activities to aid the recovery. Results will also be dependent on any underlying conditions.

* Use only as directed.

Disclaimer

The information provided on this page and site should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition and have not been evaluated by the FDA. A licensed physician should always be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call your National emergency number for all medical emergencies. NNS, treatment-bursitis.com, MediWise Pty Ltd and Danniel make no representation or warranty regarding the accuracy, reliability, completeness, currentness, or timeliness of any content, text or graphics on this site. Any links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2006-11, www.bakerscyst.net. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.