There are two bursae in the wrist. The radial bursa covers the thumb tendon and the ulnar bursa covers the fingers. As fluid-filled sacs, their function is to reduce friction at the joint and act as shock absorbers. When one or both bursae become inflamed, pain and stiffness will occur at the joint. Usually this is caused by a fall or direct hit to the area. Since the wrist is used in most day-to-day activities, the bursae are in constant use and cannot heal. BioSkin Wrist Braces are designed to stabilize the joint and provide medical-grade compression to alleviate pain and allow the bursae to heal.