Baker’s Cyst is an abnormality in the back of the knee joint. A fluid-filled sac or soft mass containing fluid is found in the back of the knee joint. Patients will feel pain and swelling of the knee or have joint stiffness. The cause of Baker’s Cyst is often the result of abnormalities of the synovial fluid and problems related to the knee joint, such as arthritis or cartilage injuries.
Baker’s Cyst mostly occurs in people aged 40 years and over and is more common in women than men because they are at risk of suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, gout, and osteoarthritis. Generally, a Baker’s Cyst may go away on its own. However, if there is severe swelling or symptoms that hinder movement, patients will need to take medication or seek medical treatment.
Symptoms of Baker’s Cyst
Baker’s Cyst may cause only minor pain, but some people may not have any symptoms and may not know they have the condition. Common symptoms include:
- There is a soft lump or fluid-filled sac around the knee joint.
- The sac may rupture or tear inside, allowing fluid to leak out and drain into the calf, causing bruising or possibly causing stinging, swelling, and redness in the calf.
- Pain in the knee area, ranging from mild to severe.
- There is a symptom of joint stiffness, unable to move the leg normally, especially when stretching or bending the knee fully.
- Bruises occur on the back of the knee and calf.
- There is swelling in the legs, calves or back of the knee.
Causes of Baker’s Cyst
A bursa behind the knee is caused by the knee joint producing more synovial fluid than the body needs. This causes the synovial fluid to pool at the back of the knee joint, forming a lump. The most common cause is related to joint disorders, such as damaged meniscus, arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout , or other knee-related disorders.
Diagnosis of Baker’s Cyst
A doctor will diagnose Baker’s Cyst by asking about your medical history, history of previous injuries, and performing a physical examination to check for swelling. The doctor will compare the knee to the normal knee and check for movement to check for abnormalities.
In addition, this condition may resemble other more serious conditions, such as blood clots, aneurysms, or tumors. Therefore, the doctor may perform additional tests using various methods, including:
- An MRI scan is a test that allows your doctor to see the cyst more clearly and may also detect damage to the cartilage.
- X-rays, although they may not help your doctor see the cyst, may help show inflammation or arthritis.
- Ultrasound: Your doctor will use high-frequency sound waves to examine you to see if the swelling is a cyst or a lump.
Baker’s Cyst Treatment
Usually, if the knee is rested or the knee is not used, the bursa behind the knee may disappear on its own without the need for treatment. In cases of slight swelling, the patient can relieve the symptoms by taking NSAIDs such as ibuprofen to prevent inflammation and reduce swelling. In addition, ice packs can be applied for 10-20 minutes, but do not let the ice touch the skin directly to reduce swelling. Alternatively, a cloth can be used to wrap the knee joint to help support and control movement. However, if there are other symptoms that may be the cause of the cyst, the patient should treat those symptoms first, because the cyst may disappear after treating the underlying condition.
In cases where the patient has severe symptoms, the following medical treatments may be required:
- Medical treatment: Your doctor may inject corticosteroids, such as cortisone, into your knee joint to relieve pain.
- Drainage: The doctor will insert a needle into the knee joint and drain the synovial fluid from the area. This may be done in conjunction with ultrasound to ensure the needle reaches the site of drainage accurately.
- Arthroscopy is used when there is significant damage to the knee joint, which may be the result of injury or osteoarthritis. The doctor will insert a camera to look inside the knee joint and use small instruments to treat the damaged area of the knee joint. It may also help prevent the recurrence of Baker’s Cyst in some patients.
- Physical therapy: Your doctor may recommend that you do gentle, regular exercises to strengthen the muscles around your knee and restore normal movement. If there is pain, you may use crutches, ice packs, or an elastic bandage to relieve the pain.
If the bursa behind the knee ruptures or tears under the skin, treatment can be done by resting the leg and elevating it to allow the fluid to reabsorb into the body within 2-3 weeks.
Complications of Baker’s Cyst
If a person has a Baker’s Cyst and it is left untreated, the cyst may grow larger and rupture, causing fluid to leak under the skin, followed by a stabbing pain in the knee, swelling of the calf, bruising, and redness of the skin. The pain in the area of the cyst may be worse when stretching the leg or moving the body.
Baker’s Cyst Prevention
Since bursitis is often caused by injuries to the knee joint, you should take care of your knees in various ways, such as choosing shoes that fit your feet, preparing your body before exercising, and gradually reducing the pace to stop exercising. When you are injured in the knee area, you should stop doing the activity and rest until your symptoms improve. If your symptoms do not improve or get worse, you should see a doctor.
