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Baker's Cyst (Popliteal Cyst): Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment and Prevention of Bakers Cyst
Baker's cyst
is named after a physician
Dr. William Baker (1839-1896),
who described it first, not because bakers have these cysts and can be defined as an accumulation of joint fluid (synovial fluid) that forms behind the knee.
Bursas decrease friction (rubbing) between tendons, bones, and skin. A Baker's cyst is when a bursa behind the knee swells up and fills with synovial fluid (joint fluid).
A Baker's cyst that is small or does not cause symptoms is treated with bed rest and rehabilitation of the knee. Medicines, such as cortisone injections, may be given to decrease pain or swelling.
Nearly one half of Baker's cysts are found in children, where they appear as painless masses behind the knee that are more obvious when the knee is fully extended.
This condition usually disappear spontaneously, but the time in which they do so is variable.
In older adults,Baker's cyst
is frequently associated with degenerative arthritis of the knee.
If the cyst is small, comparing the affected knee to the normal knee can be helpful.
Even if the knee is healthy, a Baker's cyst may form if a normal bursa at the back of the knee (bursae are sacs containing synovial fluid that reduce friction in moving parts of joints) forms a tunnel that connects to the knee joint capsule and synovial fluid drains into the bursa at the back of the knee and causes it to swell. If conservative treatments fail to correct the cyst, an operation can be performed. The operation may be done to correct the cause of the Baker's Cyst, or to excise the cyst itself.
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.
Treatment options for Baker's Cyst (Popliteal Cyst)
Doctor will prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) that are stronger than those available over-the-counter. 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 of Baker's Cyst (Popliteal Cyst)
Remove the cyst is generally not done because it may damage nearby blood vessels and nerves. Many preventive suggestion for this diseases includes these tips -
- Warm up the knee joints and soft tissue by gently going through the motions of your sport or activity and stretching the muscles.
- Rest and avoid activities that aggravate the pain, especially weight bearing activities.
- Apply ice. First, apply it every hour for up to 15 minutes. After the first day, apply it at least 4 times per day.
- Keep your knee elevated as much as possible to bring any swelling down.
- Gently compress the knee by wearing an ace bandage or elastic sleeve. Either can be purchased at most pharmacies. This may reduce swelling and provide support.
- Take acetaminophen for pain or ibuprofen for pain and swelling.
- Sleep with a pillow underneath or between your knees.
- 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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