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Acne Help (Home) > Common Skin Disorders > Baker's Cyst (Popliteal Cyst)

Baker's Cyst and Popliteal Cyst

Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment and Prevention

If you have some swelling located in the back of your knee; you may have a Baker's Cyst. This is named after a physician who described it first, not because bakers have these cysts.

The cyst usually occurs due to some other problem in your knee such as arthritis or even a tear of your meniscus.

The swelling from this problem causes fluid to build up in your knee. This fluid pushes out the weakest point of your joint capsule surrounding your knee. This is usually to the back portion of your knee capsule, and a cyst forms. The cyst has a valve made out of your joint capsule tissue. This valve can sometimes become clogged and the fluid becomes trapped in the cyst. Thus, even when the injury has resolved, you still have the swelling in the back of your knee. This is associated with pain usually described as dull and aching. The pain is worse with prolonged walking or standing. It is sometimes improved with rest, elevation and taking pain medication.

Causes of Baker's Cyst

An injury, inflammation of the joint lining, or a disease such as arthritis or gout can damage the knee, causing the synovium to produce too much fluid.

Symptoms of Baker's Cyst

You may notice a bulge on the back of your knee. The knee may also buckle or feel achy or tender. If you feel real pain, it may be caused by an underlying disease, injury, or inflammation. If you feel pain and swelling in the back of your leg below your knee (calf), the cyst has ruptured. Although the body reabsorbs the fluid, the cyst will probably grow back in a few days.

Diagnosis

As discussed in the diagnosis section of The Knee Joint, your doctor will take a history and perform a physical exam. He'll watch and feel your knee as you bend and straighten it, trying to detect the cyst. This exam is typically all that's needed to make the diagnosis. If your symptoms suggest a rupture, however, you'll need an ultrasound exam or Arthroscopy to confirm it.

Treatment options

Treatment 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.
• Cortisone injections.
• Inserting a needle into the cyst and draining off the fluid.
• In severe cases, surgery to remove the cyst entirely.
• Soft tissue therapy, including massage.
• Physiotherapy exercises to increase mobility and strength.
• Conservative treatment is recommended with children as it commonly subsides spontaneously.

Prevention strategies

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.

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