The knee is a joint that can be easily injured if we are not careful or do not exercise enough. One of the best known is Baker's cyst or popliteal cysts. These form behind the knee and can cause pain, discomfort, or no symptoms.
To learn more about this condition, we will tell you about the causes, symptoms, and everything related to the cyst. Although it may seem very serious, in most cases surgical intervention is not necessary. However, it is essential to see a doctor to assess the seriousness of the matter.
What is the popliteal cyst?
Despite being commonly known as a Baker's cyst, it is also called a popliteal or synovial cyst. Its name is due to the doctor who first discovered it, William Morrante Baker. This is nothing more than a soft, fluid-filled lump that forms at the back of the knee. The doctor concluded that these popliteal cysts were the result of fluid circulating in a damaged knee joint. When structures in or around the joint are damaged, the knee produces extra liquid which can only flow in one direction, so it forms a cyst on the back.
It is a fluid-filled swelling that causes a bulge at the back of the knee, and this can lead to tightness and restricted movement. The cyst can be painful when bending or extending the knee, but this condition is usually due to a problem affecting the knee joint, such as arthritis or cartilage injury.
It is best to treat the underlying cause to improve pain and alleviate the problem. Although a popliteal cyst does not cause any long-term damage, it can be very uncomfortable and rarely ruptures. However, the fluid can move up the calf and cause a "bruise" around the ankle.
Causes that favor Baker's cyst
Synovial fluid is a clear fluid that circulates through the cavities of the knee joint. Sometimes the joint makes too much of this fluid. The pressure pushes it to the back of the knee through a one-way valve, where it creates a bulge. That severe swelling causes a popliteal cyst to form.
The most common factors that cause a synovial cyst are damage to the knee cartilage (meniscus), arthritis, inflammation, gout, and other knee conditions that cause inflammation.
Since the knee is a complicated joint, it is easy for it to get injured. In fact, it is one of the most common reasons why the population goes to see an orthopedic specialist. Any of the lesions named above can cause inflammation that leads to a popliteal cyst.
However, a blood clot can also cause bruising and swelling behind the knee and on the back of the calf. It is important to have the swelling examined by a doctor to find out if the cause is a cyst or a clot. So avoid making self-diagnoses that could lead to a mistake.
Symptoms of its appearance
As we said before, on some occasions the cyst does not cause any symptoms, just a bulge in the area. Still, you probably have joint pain from the damage caused by this bulge of fluid, not the buildup itself.
One of the most striking and common signs is inflammation and a lump in the knee. You can make it increase in size considerably, even leaving it immobile for a while.
Other symptoms of Baker's cyst are:
- A fluid-filled lump behind the knee
- Pain
- Stiff knee
- Limited range of motion and ability to bend the knee
- Swelling of your knee and/or leg
Sometimes a popliteal cyst can cause swelling and redness in the lower leg, which can be mistaken for symptoms of a blood clot. If so, go to the hospital in an emergency. It is important that you contact a doctor if you have concerns. The specialists will be the ones to check your symptoms and determine if it is a cyst or a clot.
How is Baker's cyst diagnosed?
When going to the emergency room or to the specialist doctor, the diagnosis will be made in different ways. The first thing the doctor will do is examine the knee to find out what the inflammation is like. If the cyst is small, will compare the range of motion with the other knee. It is normal for him to also ask you questions about previous injuries and possible illnesses.
On the other hand, it is normal for the specialist to perform non-invasive imaging tests if the cyst increases rapidly in size or causes severe pain or fever. These tests can be MRI or ultrasound. The MRI will allow the doctor to see the cyst clearly and determine if you have any cartilage damage.
Although the cyst won't show up on an X-ray, your doctor may use one to check for other problems, such as inflammation or arthritis.
You can also make a ultrasound test, simple and painless. It is nothing more than an ultrasound that uses sound waves to determine if the lump is solid or liquid.
pain relief treatment
Baker's cyst normally requires that surgical options not be used as a method of treatment. Until now, one of the most used therapies in the field of sports recovery is the RICE method. This is the English union of the words rest, ice, compression and elevation.
Below we will tell you about the treatments without surgery and how is the operation to improve the popliteal cyst.
Non-surgical treatment
The specialist doctor will suggest that you begin non-surgical treatment for your Baker's cyst. Generally, these are remedies that can be done at home and on your own to improve symptoms.
Non-surgical treatment options may include RICE method:
- Rest the leg whenever possible.
- Apply ice to the knee.
- Wear compression bandages on the knee to reduce swelling of the joints.
- Elevate the knee while resting.
Other non-surgical options for a synovial cyst may include:
- Take an anti-inflammatory medication, such as ibuprofen.
- Maintaining a healthy body weight, which can help put less stress on your joints.
- Avoid activities that put stress on the knee, such as high-impact sports (jumping, running).
- Using a crutch or cane when walking.
There are times when a specialist doctor can refer you to a physiotherapist to carry out a therapy that improves mobility and strengthens the joint. It can even give you a steroid injection. This involves injection of cortisone into the knee joint to reduce inflammation (swelling) and pain.
Surgery for Baker's cyst
Although surgical treatment is rarely used to treat a Baker's cyst, there are some cases in which surgery may be recommended. This intervention can serve to repair the source of the damage to your knee. Typically, it is recommended when knee pain is severe or you cannot move it correctly.
In many cases, your doctor will treat the cause of the condition to repair the Baker's cyst. This could involve surgery for a knee injury or to correct damage to the knee. However, at other times, the specialist can focus on the cyst itself. Surgical options for popliteal cysts can be:
- Cyst drainage: Your doctor can drain the fluid from the cyst with a needle.
- Arthroscopic knee surgery: This procedure can be used to both diagnose and correct joint damage. Your surgeon will make a small cut in the knee and insert a device called an arthroscope (a flexible tool with a camera on the end).
- osteotomy: In this procedure, the surgeon cuts away part of the bone to correct the damage to your knee. This surgery may be an option for people with arthritic knee pain.