What Is a Baker’s Cyst?

A Baker’s cyst, also called a popliteal cyst, is a pocket of fluid that forms at the back of the knee. It develops when excess joint fluid is pushed into a small sac behind the knee. The swelling can cause pain and discomfort and result in the strange lump on the back of the knee.

How to tell if a Lump behind the knee is a Baker’s Cyst?

A true diagnosis can only be made with imaging. However, our trained professionals will be able to look for certain signs, such as:

• A soft or firm lump behind the knee
• Swelling that becomes more noticeable after standing or activity
• A feeling of tightness when bending or straightening the knee
• Mild aching or stiffness around the knee
• Shrinkage of the lump when the knee is bent, and enlargement when the leg is straight

Other conditions such as blood clots, tumors, swollen lymph nodes, or even aneurysms can also cause a lump behind the knee – so it is important to have any new or unexplained swelling assessed by a healthcare provider.

What Causes a Baker’s Cyst?

A Baker’s cyst develops because the knee is producing too much joint fluid. Common causes include:

• Osteoarthritis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Meniscus (cartilage) tears
• Knee injuries
• Other inflammatory conditions affecting the knee joint

Treating the underlying cause is vital to reducing or eliminating the cyst. Most Baker’s cysts are not serious and can often be managed without surgery.

However, you should seek medical attention if:

• The lump appears suddenly.
• The pain becomes severe.
• Your knee locks or gives way.
• Your calf becomes swollen, red, warm, or very painful.
• You have difficulty walking or bearing weight.

Occasionally, a Baker’s cyst can rupture, causing pain and swelling in the calf that may mimic a blood clot. Because these symptoms can look very similar, prompt medical assessment is recommended.

Treatment for a Baker’s Cyst

Treatment depends on what is causing the excess joint fluid. Options may include:

• Rest and reduced activity
• Ice, compression, and elevation
• Anti-inflammatory medications
• Physiotherapy and bracing
• Steroid injections or drainage
• Supportive orthotics/footwear
• Surgery if significant damage within the knee requires repair

Simply draining the cyst without treating the underlying knee problem often leads to recurrence.

How Can We Help?

Although a Baker’s cyst is treated by your physician or orthopedic specialist, abnormal foot mechanics can contribute to increased stress on the knee. Clinicians at BioPed clinics will assess your mechanics as part of a routine visit. This includes a biomechanical assessment, footwear discussion, and reviewing your activity history. Treatments may include supportive braces, orthotic intervention, footwear and exercises to build strength.

If this sounds like something you are struggling with, book an appointment at your nearest BioPed location today!

The post What is a Baker’s Cyst? Should I be concerned? appeared first on Relieve Foot Pain & Leg Pain.