A cyst is a fluid filled lump. Baker’s cysts, also known as popliteal cysts form on the back of the knee. It is one of the most common disorders of the knee. They usually aren’t serious but can cause some tightness and discomfort to the patient. Baker’s cysts develop when the knee joint or the surrounding tissues are injured and extra fluid drains out of the back of your knee joint. This fluid buildup becomes the baker’s cyst.
The most noticeable symptom is the swelling. Other symptoms include pain, stiffness, difficulty bending your knee.
Causes include :
- Arthritis of the knee
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Meniscus tear
- Injuries
- Gout
- Hemophilia
Diagnosis:
- Your doctor will first examine your knee and take your medical history to see if you have any conditions that may have led to the development of baker’s cyst.
- Although the cyst cannot be visualized on an x-ray, it may be prescribed to check for other conditions like arthritis.
- An ultrasound scan will help visualize the contents of the cyst.
- An MRI scan may be advised to understand the cause of the baker’s cyst.
Treatment:
The cause of the baker’s cyst is treated rather than the cyst itself. The cyst will heal by itself once the damage to the knee that caused the cyst in the first place, is addressed.
Rest : Your doctor will tell you to stop the physical activity that may have caused injury to your knee.
Cold pack : Applying a cold pack to the area may bring down the swelling.
Compression bandages : Compression will reduce the blood flow to the knee thereby reducing the swelling.
Pain medication : Your doctor may prescribe some over-the-counter pain medication to help with the pain.
Aspiration : Your doctor may have to drain the contents of the cyst under ultrasound guidance.
Corticosteroid injections : Steroids help reduce inflammation. your doctor may inject steroid into your knee joint to reduce the swelling.
Surgical treatment is rarely required for baker’s cyst. Only if the above treatments fail to provide sufficient relief, this may be an option.
