Baker's cyst

[Himmler 22,171]

A Baker's cyst is a fluid-filled cyst that causes a bulge and a feeling of tightness behind your knee. The pain can get worse when you fully flex or extend your knee or when you're active

A Baker's cyst, also called a popliteal cyst, is usually the result of a problem with your knee joint, such as arthritis or a cartilage tear. Both conditions can cause your knee to produce too much fluid, which can lead to a Baker's cyst

Although a Baker's cyst may cause swelling and make you uncomfortable, treating the probable underlying problem usually provides relief

 

برای مشاهده این محتوا لطفاً ثبت نام کنید یا وارد شوید.

• ورود
• یا
• ثبت نام

 

 

[Himmler 22,171]

برای مشاهده این محتوا لطفاً ثبت نام کنید یا وارد شوید.

• ورود
• یا
• ثبت نام

[Himmler 22,171]

برای مشاهده این محتوا لطفاً ثبت نام کنید یا وارد شوید.

• ورود
• یا
• ثبت نام

[Himmler 22,171]

برای مشاهده این محتوا لطفاً ثبت نام کنید یا وارد شوید.

• ورود
• یا
• ثبت نام

[Himmler 22,171]

برای مشاهده این محتوا لطفاً ثبت نام کنید یا وارد شوید.

• ورود
• یا
• ثبت نام

[Himmler 22,171]

Symptoms

 

 

Baker’s cysts may have no symptoms. If symptoms occur, they can include

• A pronounced soft lump or swelling on the back of the knee that looks most obvious when the person is standing
  
• A sensation of pressure in the back of the knee joint
  
• Persistent pain or aching
  
• Restricted mobility of the joint
  
• A sensation of tightness at the back of the knee when the leg is straightened
  

[Himmler 22,171]

[h=2]A range of causes[/h]

Some of the causes of Baker’s cyst include

• Injury – trauma or injury to the knee can cause a build-up of fluid (effusion), which triggers Baker’s cyst
  
• Torn cartilage – usually affecting the cartilages (known as menisci) that bolster the knee joint on both sides
  
• Arthritis – particularly rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis of the knee joint
  
• Infection – local infection can cause fluid retention around the knee joint
  
• Unknown causes – Baker’s cysts can sometimes develop in children for no apparent reason
  

[Himmler 22,171]

[h=2]Complications[/h]

A person may be less inclined to seek medical help for Baker’s cyst if the symptoms are mild, which they generally are. However, if left untreated, complications can include

• The cyst continues to grow, causing the symptoms to worsen
  
• The cyst may extend down into the calf muscles (dissection
  
• The cyst can burst and cause bruising on the ankle of the affected leg, due to leaked fluid
  

The symptoms of calf dissection and cyst rupture are similar to those caused by inflammation of veins, which may make diagnosis difficult and delay treatment. It is important to seek medical advice, as more serious but less common problems may present in a similar way. These may include a tumour or popliteal artery aneurysm

[Himmler 22,171]

[h=2]Diagnosis[/h]

Baker’s cyst is diagnosed using a number of tests, and may include

• Physical examination
  
• Medical history
  
• Joint x-ray – this will not show the cyst but can show the presence of arthritis in the knee joint that may be causing the problem
  
• Shining a light through the cyst (transillumination) – this can determine that the mass is filled with fluid
  
• Magnetic imaging resonance (MRI
  
• Ultrasound
  

[Himmler 22,171]

[h=2]Treatment[/h]

Baker’s cysts don’t always require active treatment and sometimes will only require observation over time by the treating doctor. Treatment options for Baker’s cyst can include

• Treatment for the underlying cause, such as medication for arthritis or surgery for torn knee cartilage
  
• Temporarily avoiding activities that aggravate the knee joint
  
• Physiotherapy involving ice packs, the use of crutches and exercises to maintain mobility and strength
  
• Cortisone injections
  
• Inserting a needle into the cyst and draining off the fluid
  
• In severe cases, surgery to remove the cyst entirely
  
• A conservative approach of watching and waiting is recommended with children – the condition commonly subsides without active treatment (spontaneously
  

[Himmler 22,171]

[h=2]Prevention strategies[/h]

Knee joints are prone to injury during sporting activities. Preventing knee trauma can reduce the risk of Baker’s cyst developing in the first place or recurring after treatment. Suggestions include

• Warm up the knee joints and soft tissue by gently going through the motions of your sport or activity and stretching the muscles
  
• Wear supportive footwear appropriate to your activity
  
• Try to turn on the balls of your feet, rather than through your knees
  
• Cool down after sport by performing gentle and sustained stretches
  
• If you injure your knee, stop your activity immediately, apply ice packs to treat the swelling and seek medical advice