What is Baker’s Cyst (Popliteal Cyst)?
A Baker’s cyst is a fluid-filled cyst that causes a bulge and a feeling of tightness behind your knee. 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.
Baker’s Cyst (Popliteal Cyst)
What are the symptoms of Baker’s Cyst (Popliteal Cyst)?
- Swelling behind the knee like the size of a golf ball.
- A sensation of pressure in the back of the joint which can go down into the calf muscle.
- Difficulties in bending the joint.
- Aching and tenderness after exercise.
- tend to notice is a bulge behind the knee, a bit like a small water balloon.
What are the causes of Baker’s Cyst Baker’s Cyst (Popliteal Cyst)?
- 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. Osteoarthritis is the most common cause where 50% of people develop a Baker’s Cyst knee.
- 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.
How is Baker’s Cyst (Popliteal Cyst)diagnosed?
At Baker’s Cyst specialist clinic, our doctors diagnosed baker’s cyst through:
- Physical Examination clinically
- 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
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
What are the treatments for Baker’s Cyst Baker’s Cyst (Popliteal Cyst)?
At Baker’s cyst specialist clinic, our doctors treat baker’s cyst as following:
Non-Surgical Treatments
- Icing to reduce inflammation
- Physiotherapy to maintain mobility and strength
- Medications are sometimes given to relieve pain and inflammation.
- Anti-inflammatory injection
- Knee Aspiration: drain the fluid from the knee joint using a needle
Surgical Treatment
- Surgical treatment may be the best treatment option when cartilage tears or other internal knee problems are associated with the condition. During a surgical operation the surgeon can remove the swollen tissue (synovium) that leads to the cyst formation.
NOTE: Be aware that lumps in the back of the knee are most likely a Popliteal Cyst but might possibly be a tumor or an aneurysm (swelling in an artery). If unsure always seek advise by calling us now at (65) 6476 2106 – 24HR Hotline for an appointment
