bakers cyst symptoms, causes, diagnosis, treatment
TRANSCRIPT
Multidisciplinary Treatment for
Neck, Back and Joint pain
www.spinalogy.com
What is Baker’s Cyst? A Baker's cyst is a pocket of fluid that forms a lump behind the knee. It is
also called a popliteal cyst.
A Baker's cyst, also known as a popliteal cyst, is a benign swelling of the
semimembranosus or more rarely some other synovial bursa found behind
the knee joint.
www.spinalogy.com
Causes of Baker’s Cyst
www.spinalogy.com
A Baker's cyst is caused when excess joint fluid is pushed into one of the small
sacs of tissue behind the knee. When this sac fills with fluid and bulges out, it
is called a cyst.
Baker's cyst commonly occurs with:
• A tear in the meniscal cartilage of the knee
• Knee arthritis (in older adults)
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Other knee problems
Baker's cyst diagnosis?
www.spinalogy.com
During a physical exam, the health care provider will look for a soft lump in the back of the
knee.
• If the cyst is small, comparing the affected knee to the normal knee can be helpful.
• There may be a decrease in range of motion caused by pain or by the size of the cyst.
• In some cases there will be catching, locking, pain, or other signs and symptoms of a
meniscal tear.
• Shining a light through the cyst (trans illumination) can show that the growth is fluid filled.
If the lump grows quickly, or you have night pain, severe pain, or fever, you will need more
tests to make sure you do not have other types of tumors.
X-rays will not show the cyst or a meniscal tear, but they will show other problems that may be
present, including arthritis. MRIs can help the health care provider see the cyst and look for
any meniscal injury.
Baker’s Cyst Treatment
www.spinalogy.com
A Baker's cyst may go away on its own.
If arthritis or another problem is causing the Baker's cyst, your doctor may treat that
problem. This usually makes the pain and swelling of a Baker's cyst go away.
If a cyst does not go away, or if it is causing a lot of pain, your doctor may drain the fluid
with a needle. You also may be given a shot of steroid medicine to reduce swelling. You
may need to use a cane or crutch and wrap your knee in an elastic bandage. In rare
cases, a Baker's cyst is removed by surgery.
Baker’s Cyst Treatment (Cont.…)
www.spinalogy.com
There are things you can do at home to help you feel better.
• Rest your knee as much as you can.
• Take over-the-counter medicines to reduce pain and swelling. These include
ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve).
• Use a cane, crutch, walker, or another device if you need help to get around. These
can help rest your knee.
• If you wear an elastic bandage around your knee, make sure it is snug but not so
tight that your leg is numb, tingles, or swells below the bandage. Loosen the bandage
if it is too tight.
• Follow your doctor's instructions about how much weight you can put on your knee.
• Stay at a healthy weight. Being overweight puts extra strain on your knee.
Contact Address of Spinalogy Clinic
Spinalogy Clinic
First Floor, Vidya Building,
Next to Hotel Sarja, ITI Road,
Towards Croma, Aundh, Pune 411007, India
Phone: +91 20 2588 2244
Mobile: +91 9922 134 134
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.spinalogy.com
www.spinalogy.com
