What is Baker’s Cyst And How It Can Affect Your Health?

Baker’s cyst is a fluid-filled swelling that appears at the back of the knee when the fluid sac that lubricates the knee (called a bursa) bulges out of the joint. Though a Baker’s cyst is usually small, in extreme cases the cyst can grow to the size of a baseball size.

In adults, Baker’s cyst typically results from an underlying problem in the knee. While for other’s, this may be a tear in the cartilage that is supposed to keep the bursa within the knee joint. Inflammation in the joint produces excess fluid in the bursa, which increases the pressure in the sac, distends it, and forces it out of the joint.

Diagnosing Baker’s cyst usually is not difficult. The first thing an orthopedist will do is look for the characteristic swelling at the back of the knee. If the cyst is not obvious, the orthopedist may compare the affected knee to the unaffected knee to discern the swelling.

Symptoms of a Baker’s Cyst

symptoms of a Baker’s cyst may include:

• Swelling behind your knee
• Swelling in your leg
• Knee pain
• Stiffness (you won’t be able to bend your knee)

Baker’s Cyst Treatment

You may not need any treatment for a Baker’s cyst. They aren’t dangerous and tend to go away on their own. However, you might also try these recommendations while at home:

• Keep it cold. Apply a cold pack to the affected area. It’ll help keep the swelling down. A compression wrap might also help.
• Relieve pain. For pain (and to reduce inflammation), take an over-the-counter medication like ibuprofen.
• Rest your leg. Keep it raised above your heart level when possible. This will keep down swelling. Use a cane or crutch when you walk to keep pressure off your leg.

If these at-home treatments don’t work, we recommend you to see your doctor.

Can a Baker’s Cyst be prevented?

To prevent knee injuries in the first place, we recommend you to wear the right shoes when you work out. Be sure to warm up before you exercise. And if you do get a knee injury, take care of it right away. See your doctor if it doesn’t get better.

What Happens If a Baker’s Cyst Goes Untreated?

Sometimes, the cysts break open. This can cause pain, swelling, and bruising on the back of your knee and calf. The pain might get worse when you fully extend your knee or when you’re active.

Orthopedic Corner | Leon Mead MD Orthopedic Doctor | 730 Goodlette Road North, Suite 201  Naples Florida 34102 | Phone: (239) 262-1119